Being called "boss"?

[Balleristic31]

Recently while working I had a customer walk in and I greeted him by saying something like "how's it going, boss?" And the gentleman (older maybe 65+) found me calling him "boss" very offensive and told me not to call him that again.

Honestly I was taken a bit by surprise because I feel it's on the same level as:
Sir
Man
Buddy etc

Does anyone else find being greeted (100% non sarcastically) offensive? Maybe I'm just being rude and didn't know it?

Just curious.

[kronus]

i'd say sir and buddy are on different levels of formality. "boss" can be patronizing, amigo.

[ak-]

I've been told more than one time that "boss" was used by inmates when talking to correction officers back in the day.
Maybe he holds something to that since he's an elderly.

Regardless use sir for seniors, buddy.

[Farbin Kaiber]

Boss can also be taken as a "slave" or "prisoner" based comment, pal.

[Balleristic31]

I see. This is what I was looking to learn!

[Farbin Kaiber]

Have you never seen The Shawshank Redemption?

[Balleristic31]

Have you never seen The Shawshank Redemption?

Nope

[mrsleeve]

I dont expect it but when you are the boss its kinda nice ;)

I only address MY boss as Boss

[Farbin Kaiber]

Go watch it. NOW. I command thee shalt not post again until you've watched it.

[frankenbeemer]

Never knew that. I am prepared to be offended. In any case, I'm not your buddy, guy.

[E30 331is]

It happened to me once. The mans explanation was all bosses are assholes. Go figure.

[lambo]

"sup mang"

[ADlBOO]

Usually its not the word, but how its said makes how its perceived.

[TurboJake]

Have you never seen The Shawshank Redemption?

Nope

Go watch it. NOW. I command thee shalt not post again until you've watched it.

Seconded. A million times seconded.

[DatUtahGuy]

Yeah, I've had that happen before where some people have been weirded out by that, it's best just to go with sir, or just "How's it going?", remember that chief.