BS: Straw Boss ?

Subject: BS: Straw Boss ?
From: Jimmy C
Date: 29 Dec 02 - 12:26 AM

I have heard the term " Straw Boss" in quite a few songs. I imagine it means some kind of supervisor, am I right.
How and in what kind of job did this phrase originate ?.
I know there are many out there who can supply the answer.
Thanks.
Jimmy

Subject: RE: BS: Straw Boss ?
From: Allan C.
Date: 29 Dec 02 - 08:15 AM

A straw boss is generally second in command or perhaps an even lesser supervisor. I haven't found a resource that indicates the reason for the use of the word, "straw" to differentiate this foreman from the primary boss. I suspect, though, it is one of those odd terms, developed particularly for the purpose in much the same way as "grass" is used in the term, "grass widow" to differentiate a divorcée from a woman who lost her husband by way of his death.

Subject: RE: BS: Straw Boss ?
From: curmudgeon
Date: 29 Dec 02 - 08:31 AM

Possibly chosen for the job by drawing straws?

Subject: RE: BS: Straw Boss ?
From: Allan C.
Date: 29 Dec 02 - 08:49 AM

One resource I found associates straw with worthlessness. Maybe this is meant in the way that a straw immitation of a man (such as a scarecrow) might appear to be a man but is not the real thing. Just guessing.

Subject: RE: BS: Straw Boss ?
From: curmudgeon
Date: 29 Dec 02 - 09:14 AM

From Am. Heritage dictionary:

Informal A worker who acts as a boss or crew leader in addition to performing regular duties.

Does this make a shantyman a straw boss?

Subject: RE: BS: Straw Boss ?
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 29 Dec 02 - 09:18 AM

It's a similar kind of meaning as "straw vote" - implying provisional, unoffocial, temporary, like a construction made of straw. Whether it's got anything to do with drawing straws as a way of choosing or marking a voice, I'd rather doubt.

Subject: RE: BS: Straw Boss ?
From: mack/misophist
Date: 29 Dec 02 - 09:41 AM

I;ve had several 'straw bosses' in mu life. I suspect the term refers to a working man's straw hat, as opposed to a full time supervisor's felt hat. No evidence, one way or the other, but I grew up in an area where the term had been used since it was young and my explanation just feels right.

Subject: RE: BS: Straw Boss ?
From: Amos
Date: 29 Dec 02 - 10:11 AM

Something made of straw is insubstantial, hence not authoritative, a middleman without real executive power. A straw boss is a boss who is just rrelaying the control of a real boss. From the American Heritage:"A worker who acts as a boss or crew leader in addition to performing regular duties"

Like a paper tiger. Related to a "straw man", an argument without much substance.

Am Her offers for "straw": 4a. Something of minimal value or importance. b. Something with too little substance to provide support in a crisis: Near the end we were grasping at straws.


A

Subject: RE: BS: Straw Boss ?
From: curmudgeon
Date: 29 Dec 02 - 10:14 AM

I think now that Amos has got it all together so it makes sense -- Tom

Subject: RE: BS: Straw Boss ?
From: Amos
Date: 29 Dec 02 - 10:17 AM

As a historical referent of interest Barnabe Googe in the 1560's used the expression this way:

"Nobylitie begins to fade, and Carters up do sprynge," he cries; the chief estate is in the hands of Sir John Straw and Sir John Cur, who, though they think themselves noble, are but fish which, "bred up in durtye Pooles, wyll ever stynke of mudde." (Eglogs, Epytaphes and Sonettes (1563))

Subject: RE: BS: Straw Boss ?
From: Jimmy C
Date: 29 Dec 02 - 10:31 AM

Very interesting, here I thought it was perhaps someone who sat on able of hay while others worked. Thanks for all the input.