boss around
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Meaning · English
To act in a bossy manner with another person, ordering them to do things, whether or not one is actually their superior.
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
Examples
Phoenix: Being bossed around by a woman... I know how you feel.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “boss around” mean?
To act in a bossy manner with another person, ordering them to do things, whether or not one is actually their superior.
Is “boss around” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.