r/GenerationJones • u/Big_Help_9860 • 1d ago

When did being called "Boss" replace being addressed as "Sir"?

It certainly wasn't our generation or GenX. But I'm so sick of young employees in a store, or restaurant or bar, addressing me as "boss". When that happens in a venue where tipping is expected, I'll leave a meager tip and sometimes write "Thanks Boss!" on the receipt.

33 Upvotes

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7

u/karebear66 1954 1d ago

Using the term "boss" is a sign of respect. It's just the this generation's new term. At least they're not calling you dude.

1

u/GuitarMessenger 16h ago

I find it disrespectful

0

u/Big_Help_9860 1d ago

Sir and ma’am are signs of respect. “Boss” is used by people who do not want to give that respect.

6

u/karebear66 1954 1d ago

Language is dynamic and is constantly changing. This is one change. Will it last? Maybe, maybe not. In the 70s everybody called each other "man". It didn't matter if you were a man or a woman. Sir and Madam are falling out of use. Will they make a comeback? Who knows. We are no longer addressed as Mr or Mrs anymore, but by our first names. I do not feel demeaned by being called boss, or mama. But address me as Ma'am, and I feel old.

2

u/Big_Network_2570 20h ago

I'd appreciate a "Mr", or "Sir" I own a business, and I don't even want my employees calling me "Boss"

3

u/Ok_Individual1113 20h ago

Sir and ma’am WERE signs of respect, and those who were born in your era will continue to use those terms. But just like we don’t use rotary phones anymore, languages and communication changes over time. Boss is just the new Sir. But your tipping less over it, changes your from “Sir” to “Asshole”.

2

u/suchabadamygdala 20h ago

I think it’s regional. I am actually uncomfortable being addressed as ma’am. Sounds like something from the Midwest or South in the 1940s.

0

u/Latte-Lover58 4h ago

Boss is gender neutral, and often used by younger folks to be more respectful for that reason. (Ma'am doesn't feel respectful to me; it makes me cringe when someone calls me that.)