Boss Eyed Meaning, Origin and Usage

Boss Eyed – Meaning, Origin and Usage
 September 2, 2022 Pearson
Are you looking at someone with a cross-eyed appearance? You could say they are ‘boss-eyed.’ This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression.

Meaning
The expression ‘boss-eyed’ means someone with a ‘cross-eyed’ appearance. Their eyes don’t line up properly, giving their vision a ‘squinty’ appearance. Some people are born ‘boss-eyed’ and stay that way for the rest of their lives.

‘Boss-eyed’ is also a trend on social media platforms and message boards, where users post pictures of celebrities with a cross-eyed look. However, assuming a cross-eyed look may insult them, as they are usually conscious of their problem. Insulting them may lower their self-confidence and damage their self-image.

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Example Usage
“Look at that guy over there. There’s something wrong with his eyes. It’s like he’s cross-eyed, but on purpose. I think that what people refer to as ‘boss-eyed.'”


“Boss-eyed people are so funny. I know I shouldn’t laugh at them, but I can’t help myself. Maybe I should examine my behavior around others.”

“A boss-eyed person always draws my attention. They just look peculiar, and I can’t help but stare at their eyes. The last boss-eyed person I saw got angry at me for staring at them.”

“Some celebrities are taking this ‘boss-eyed’ trend seriously. There are thousands of videos and memes of it. Isn’t that bullying to people who have the condition?”



Origin
The expression ‘boss-eyed’ originates from the late 19th century. While it may seem like ‘cross-eyed’ is a more current term, ‘boss-eyed’ predates it. The phrase’s first appearance is in ‘A Dictionary of Modern Slang, Cant and Vulgar Words,’ published by John Camden Hotten in 1869. The expression appears as follows.

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boss stare
Staring is considered impolite in most social interactions and can make people uncomfortable. So, if you wonder, “why does my boss stare at me,” there are a few possible explanations.

Bosses usually have a lot on their minds and may not even realize they’re staring. But sometimes, there might be a solid reason behind it.

Why Does My Boss Stare At Me – 13 Solid Reasons
Let’s first discuss exactly the type of stare we’re talking about. The stare is not direct and engaged but a more distant, unfocused gaze.


You may feel like your boss is staring at you. In this way, likely, they’re not looking at you at all.

Instead, they’re likely lost in thought or trying to remember something. If this is the case, there’s no need to worry too much about it.

However, if you feel like your boss is staring at you in a more intense, focused way, it could cause concern. There are a few possible explanations for this type of stare.


1. They Want To Intimidate You:
One possibility is that your boss is trying to intimidate you. This is especially likely if you’ve recently made a mistake at work or they think you’re not pulling your weight.

They may be trying to make you feel uncomfortable so that you’ll improve your performance. If this is the case, staying calm and confident is essential.

Intimidation tactics usually backfire in the long run, so don’t let your boss get to you. Your reaction to their staring will likely be more important to them than the stare itself.

If they are trying to intimidate you, they will likely not break eye contact first. So it will be up to you to end the stare-down.