DictionarygovernorInformal address
noun

governor

An informal way of addressing a man.

In the British story, the driver addresses a man as governor.

Etymology

Governor names a person who governs or has authority. Familiar address extends that title to a man treated as the person in charge, sometimes with playful deference.

More examples

  • The London character calls his customer governor.
  • The old dialogue uses governor as a familiar form of address.
  • The porter says governor to the traveler in the English novel.

Forms

governor · governors

Similar words

sir
A more standard respectful form of address.
boss
Another informal address, not necessarily describing an actual employer.