baas

/ bɑːs /

noun

1. a South African word for a boss: often used by Black or Coloured people addressing a White manager or overseer

Word History and Origins

Origin of baas¹

C17: from Afrikaans, from Middle Dutch baes master; see boss ¹

Example Sentences

They traveled up the road a little ways, the fluffy white herd obscuring the yellow-painted centerline amid a chorus of “baas” and the lead ewe’s jangling bell.

From Seattle Times

Furthermore, his wordless ovine antics allow him to tickle fans across borders and languages without dubbing or subtitling his enthusiastic baas.

From Los Angeles Times

One sheep in particular sounds like a person making fun of the other baas.

From Washington Post

Then 14 goats joined them for Goat Yoga, where the instructor’s directions were sometimes drowned out by “baas” from the animals and laughter from attendees getting nuzzled by goats.

From Washington Times

“The baas will be with you shortly,” he said.

From Literature