baas

noun

ˈbäs How to pronounce baas (audio)
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

baalshem

baas

Baathism

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Baas.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/baas. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

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