Why do many American men refer to their wife's as their "boss"?
#1
Just Joined
Thread Starter
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 16
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.
#2
Re: Why do many American men refer to their wife's as their "boss"?
I'm am American woman and have never heard that.
Rene
Rene
#3
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.
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.
#4
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.
#5
I don't (often) bite
Joined: Dec 2015
Location: Deerfield Beach, FL
Posts: 194
Re: 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.
#6
I still dont believe it..
Joined: Oct 2013
Location: 12 degrees north
Posts: 2,777
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.
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.
#7
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Nov 2012
Location: bute
Posts: 9,740
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.
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.
#8
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Mar 2008
Location: Santa Cruz, CA
Posts: 4,913
Re: Why do many American men refer to their wife's as their "boss"?
What term would you prefer?
"Her indoors"?
"Her indoors"?
#10
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.
Certainly not exclusive to American culture.
#13
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Jul 2015
Location: Watford
Posts: 1,147
Re: Why do many American men refer to their wife's as their "boss"?
Well because she is the boss!! Lol
#14
Account Closed
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 2
Re: Why do many American men refer to their wife's as their "boss"?
Her In Doors?
She who must be obeyed?
She who must be obeyed?
#15
Banned
Joined: Aug 2016
Location: Cascade Mountains, WA
Posts: 1,089
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.
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.