Bosmang

This article is about a word in the Belter Creole language.

bosmang

Noun

bosmang

1. dockside boss, chief (not ship captain)

Etymology

Apparent contraction of the English phrase "boss man".

English boss comes from Dutch baas, originally a term of respect used to address an older relative, later, in New Amsterdam (17th century Dutch Settlement on the southern tip of Manhattan island, that became part of New York City), it grew to mean a person in charge who is not a master.

Examples

Lik wa bosmang Like a boss

Notes

Nick Farmer described "bosmang" as not referring to a ship's captain. However, multiple times on the show, Belter crewmembers have addressed their captains as "bosmang." This may be reconciled by supposing that it is possible to call a ship's captain "bosmang" in direct address, while in descriptive speech one must use the more specific "bosmang kapawu."

See also

• bosmang kapawu