Baas

Meaning

Boss — an employer or person in charge, and also a respectful, friendly term of address for a man, much like 'chief', 'boss', or 'my man'. Calling someone 'baas' acknowledges their standing and authority, or simply shows deference and goodwill, as when hailing a shopkeeper, a driver, or an older man. Of Dutch/Afrikaans origin by way of colonial trade, it belongs to the everyday courtesies of Jamaican speech, marking respect for the one addressed whether or not they are truly anyone's boss.

Examples

• Yes, baas, mi soon come.

  Yes, chief, I'll be right there.

  A respectful address, not necessarily to an actual employer.

• Di baas nuh reach yet.

  The boss hasn't arrived yet.

• Wah yuh a deal wid, baas?

  How are you doing, my man?

Origin

From English 'boss' (itself from Dutch 'baas', master), with the Jamaican long-vowel pronunciation.

How it’s used

As a greeting it is warm and respectful; as a noun it simply means the person in charge. Common between men at work or on the street.