What is the meaning of “straw boss” and how did it originate?

Since straw is fundamentally a by-product of the real business of a farm, it’s not surprising to learn that a “straw boss” is not the “big boss” of any job, but rather an assistant or subordinate boss, usually on the level of the foreman of a work crew. The term is said to have arisen from the usual arrangement of workers threshing wheat in the fields. The primary boss would be in charge of the wheat entering the threshing apparatus, while the assistant, or “straw,” boss would supervise the crew gathering and baling the straw that the thresher discarded. “Straw boss” first appeared in print in the late 1800’s, and quickly became a metaphor for any low-level supervisor. And since straw bosses rarely wield any real power aside from the ability to make those under them miserable, “straw boss” today is often a synonym for a petty and vindictive superior.

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What is the meaning of “straw boss” and how did it originate?
just always wondered.

Boss Definition

meaning straw boss originate

RE:
What is the meaning of "straw boss" and how did it originate?
just always wondered.

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

Not sure where it originated.

I’ve heard it being used in reference to someone who acted as though he were the boss, exclusive of the person in charge.

He told ehe straw what to do.

exodus 5

In Macy’s here in NYC, that’s Santa’s personal assistant. 🙂