jefe pajizo
/xefe paxiθo/from spelling rulesmasculine
The English phrase 'straw boss' can be translated into Spanish as jefe pajizo. If unsure, use jefe pajizo. Wiktionary also lists jefe pajoso.
Meaning: supervisor (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| jefe pajizo | /xefe paxiθo/ (Spain, from spelling rules) /xefe paxiso/ (Latin America, from spelling rules) |
masculine |
| jefe pajoso | /xefe paxoso/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
This term is used to refer to a supervisor.
Did you know?
- The word paja used in jefe pajizo means 'straw' but is also a common slang term for 'masturbation' in many Spanish speaking countries.
- In some Spanish-speaking contexts, calling someone a jefe is a common way to show respect to a stranger, similar to saying 'boss' or 'chief' in English.
- In Spanish, the words cabo and chef are doublets of jefe, meaning they all evolved from the same original root word.
Example sentences for Spanish are not verified yet.
Example conversation
Alejandro and María are discussing their new workplace hierarchy.
- AlejandroMaría, ¿quién manda en esta oficina?María, who is in charge in this office?
- MaríaEl gerente es el jefe, pero Juan es el jefe pajizo.The manager is the boss, but Juan is the straw boss.
- AlejandroEntonces, ¿él no toma las decisiones?So, he doesn't make the decisions?
- MaríaExacto, es solo un jefe pajizo.Exactly, he is just a straw boss.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “straw boss” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries jefe, pajizo, pajoso, CC BY-SA 4.0.
