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Why do many American men refer to their wife's as their "boss"?

Why do many American men refer to their wife's as their "boss"?

Old Mar 18th 2018, 4:08 pm
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Default Why do many American men refer to their wife's as their "boss"?

This is one thing that I absolutely can't understand about American culture, it seems to be done in some sort of humour but I just find it so bizarre. I would think that most English women (or women of other countries) would find it particularly creepy and uncomfortable if their husband or partner referred to them as that.
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Old Mar 18th 2018, 4:14 pm
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Default Re: Why do many American men refer to their wife's as their "boss"?

I'm am American woman and have never heard that.

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Old Mar 18th 2018, 5:29 pm
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Default Re: Why do many American men refer to their wife's as their "boss"?

You are reading too much into it and taking offense at a phrase that is said in a joking manner. It goes along with the phrase "A happy wife, makes a happy life."

It's also used by a husband who is trying to get out of doing something. For example, an invitation to an acquaintance's home and he tells the person I'll have to ask the boss. If the wife doesn't want to go, then she is blamed for not attending.

Last edited by Rete; Mar 18th 2018 at 5:35 pm.
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Old Mar 18th 2018, 5:38 pm
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Default Re: Why do many American men refer to their wife's as their "boss"?

I refer to mine as SWMBO, or if I'm really in the effluent Linda.
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Old Mar 18th 2018, 6:23 pm
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Default Re: Why do many American men refer to their wife's as their "boss"?

Originally Posted by Lagoon Nebula
This is one thing that I absolutely can't understand about American culture, it seems to be done in some sort of humour but I just find it so bizarre. I would think that most English women (or women of other countries) would find it particularly creepy and uncomfortable if their husband or partner referred to them as that.
I don't think that's an exclusively American thing either. I've heard it many times in England too. All jokingly though and said in good humour.
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Old Mar 18th 2018, 6:33 pm
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Default Re: Why do many American men refer to their wife's as their "boss"?

Theres also the MCPC and the MCPOC.

Male chauvanist pig club, and male chauvanist pig owners club.

My wife calls me o lord and master and i call her my slave occasionally, all in fun.
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Old Mar 18th 2018, 6:52 pm
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Default Re: Why do many American men refer to their wife's as their "boss"?

In the Middle East she is jokingly referred to as "The Minister of the Interior"


One of my Palestinian colleagues told me a joke,

A friend asked me who the boss is in our house.

I explained that I am . I make all the important decisions like our policy on Carbon Emissions, Nuclear Policy and Cooperation with the UN and Relief Agencies.

She makes decisions on little things like where I work, where we live and how much pocket money I get.

Last edited by scot47; Mar 18th 2018 at 6:55 pm.
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Old Mar 18th 2018, 7:08 pm
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Default Re: Why do many American men refer to their wife's as their "boss"?

What term would you prefer?
"Her indoors"?
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Old Mar 18th 2018, 7:17 pm
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Default Re: Why do many American men refer to their wife's as their "boss"?

Originally Posted by uk_grenada
Theres also the MCPC and the MCPOC.

Male chauvanist pig club, and male chauvanist pig owners club.

My wife calls me o lord and master and i call her my slave occasionally, all in fun.
Mine occasionally calls me wretch.
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Old Mar 18th 2018, 8:08 pm
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Default Re: Why do many American men refer to their wife's as their "boss"?

On the occasion used it jokingly when talking to a contractor and had to run a quote by "the boss".

Certainly not exclusive to American culture.
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Old Mar 18th 2018, 8:19 pm
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Default Re: Why do many American men refer to their wife's as their "boss"?

Their wife’s what?
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Old Mar 18th 2018, 9:38 pm
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Default Re: Why do many American men refer to their wife's as their "boss"?

Originally Posted by Nutmegger
Their wife’s what?
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Old Mar 18th 2018, 10:13 pm
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Default Re: Why do many American men refer to their wife's as their "boss"?

Well because she is the boss!! Lol
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Old Mar 18th 2018, 10:40 pm
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Default Re: Why do many American men refer to their wife's as their "boss"?

Her In Doors?

She who must be obeyed?
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Old Mar 18th 2018, 10:52 pm
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Default Re: Why do many American men refer to their wife's as their "boss"?

In many households nowadays it's even true, the women are in charge.

My husband calls me "the boss" but I make more than twice as much money as he does and I make all financial decisions.

I wouldn't say it's the "one thing I absolutely cannot understand" about American culture. If I had to pick one it would be the general absence of a knife when dining. Each to their own as to what bothers them.
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