hoss

Hoss is a nickname and given name used in English-speaking contexts. In popular culture, the best-known bearer is Eric “Hoss” Cartwright, a character from the American television series Bonanza. He is one of the Cartwright brothers on the show, depicted as tall, strong, and good-natured. The role was portrayed by actor Dan Blocker, and Bonanza aired from 1959 to 1973.

In slang, hoss refers to a horse, especially a large or sturdy one, and is part of American Western and rural speech. The term has appeared in rodeo, ranching, and Western-themed media, and it is sometimes used colloquially to describe a physically imposing person in a friendly way.

Beyond Bonanza and slang usage, Hoss principally appears as a nickname or given name rather than as a widely used term in other contexts. The most enduring reference remains the Bonanza character, though the word continues to surface in Western-influenced culture and dialect.