Here's a breakdown of the possible origins:
* "Straw" as a symbol of temporary or unimportant: The word "straw" was often associated with things that were temporary or of little value. This could be because straw was used for temporary structures like sheds or for packing fragile items. Thus, a "straw boss" might have been considered a temporary or low-ranking supervisor.
* "Boss" as a general term for supervisor: In the early days of industrialization, the term "boss" became a common way to refer to anyone overseeing workers.
* "Straw boss" as a low-level supervisor: Over time, "straw boss" became a specific term for a low-level supervisor who oversaw a small group of workers and reported to a higher-ranking foreman.
Therefore, the term "straw boss" likely evolved from the combination of "straw" as a symbol of something temporary or unimportant, and "boss" as a general term for a supervisor. This term was particularly common in the construction and agricultural industries, where tasks were often temporary and workers were hired on a short-term basis.
However, it's important to note that there's no definitive historical record of the term's exact origin. It is likely that the term was coined and used organically by workers and supervisors in these industries.