baas

noun

South Africa
: boss, master
used especially by non-whites when speaking to or about Europeans in positions of authority

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from early Afrikaans, going back to Dutch — more at boss entry 1

First Known Use

1625, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of baas was in 1625

Dictionary Entries Near baas

Cite this Entry

“Baas.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/baas. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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