straw boss

¹

noun

1. a member of a work crew, as in a factory or logging camp, who acts as a boss; assistant foreman.

straw-boss

²

[ straw-baws, -bos ]

verb (used with object)

1. to act as a straw boss to:

   She was assigned to straw-boss the night shift.

Word History and Origins

Origin of straw boss¹

An Americanism dating back to 1890–95

Idioms and Phrases

A subordinate boss, a worker who supervises other workers as well as performing regular duties. For example, Jim was pleased when he was promoted to straw boss . This term alludes to the person's position as a straw man , that is, a front or cover for the real boss and of only nominal importance. [Late 1800s]

Example Sentences

If anyone gets fresh the straw boss can jump him, or kick him out, but those that stick with the gang have to listen to him.

From Project Gutenberg

For the horseman who had ridden out of the covert was Stroud, the Rancho Seco straw-boss.

From Project Gutenberg

Bill could see only one thingthe straw-boss was afraid of him.

From Project Gutenberg

He was a straw boss or foreman, Ramsay decided, and his voice betrayed his New England forebears.

From Project Gutenberg

Swamp's End—and the roaring hilarity thereof—for man and boy, straw-boss and cookee, of the lumber-jacks!

From Project Gutenberg