What is a cowboy ?

Question

Is a very very short answer ...

Answer 1

A cowboy (Spanish vaquero) tends cattle and horses on cattle ranches in North and South America. The cowboy is normally a ranch hand in charge of the horses and/or cattle, as is the wrangler. In addition to ranch work, some cowboys work in and participate in rodeos, and many cowboys work only in the rodeo.

Answer 2

Well, it all started back in the good ol' days of ranching. Cowboys were the men--and boys--who worked the ranches, taking care of the horses, rounding up and herding the cattle. The cattle drives of the Old West "created" the cowboy.

Today, the "cowboy" is a different breed. Quite often it still refers to ranchers and ranch hands. Sometimes it refers to those who participate in the Western sports--i.e., rodeo. Some of these people make a living at it--for others, it is just a hobby. You may find the term used to refer to those who listen to country music, or who were raised in a rural area.

But I think the most accurate use of "cowboy" refers to a mindset. "Cowboy" is a culture. It is hardworking individuals who know what teamwork really means. It is individuals who are confident in their abilities, but not too cocky--because they know nature can put us all in our place in a heartbeat. It is individuals who love the beauty of a sunrise or a sunset, who can drink coffee with grounds in the bottom of the cup heated over a campfire, and understand that sometimes rattlesnakes decide to share your sleeping bag. It is individuals who are practical--a hat that protects you from sun and rain, jeans to protect your legs from brush, boots to protect your from cactus and snakes. It is a person who knows how to use reins, ropes, and rifles (the three Rs). And it is individuals who still believe that a person's word and a handshake mean something--and if you go back on your word, you ain't worth spittin' on.

"Cowboy" is far more than a hat and a pair of boots. It is a way of life.

Answer 3

The word 'cowboy' seems to have originated from England meaning a Boy / a man of low status who took care of the cows.

Later the word came to be used in America to denote a hired hand who tends cattle with a particular dress-style & hat. He is seen to perform his duties on a horse back. It came to be used for anyone who is an adventurous hero or a reckless person who ignores possible risks.

These coeboys are very popular in Western Action Movies. People like their captivating dare-devil dress, manner & style.

Answer 4

cow·boy
Audio pronunciation of "cowboy" ( P )
Pronunciation Key (kouboi).

1. A hired man, especially in the western United States, who tends cattle and performs many of his duties on horseback. Also called cowman, cowpoke, cowpuncher, also called regionally buckaroo, vaquero, waddy. See Regional Note at vaquero.
2. An adventurous hero.
3. Slang. A reckless person, such as a driver, pilot, or manager, who ignores potential risks.

Answer 5

In addition to tending them on ranches, cowboys also were responsible for driving herds to railheads in the days before reliable road transportation. The stock would leave the ranch for a several hundred mile trip, on which they would graze and "fatten"

Watch City Slickers and pay attention to Jack Palance I guess

Answer 6

A cowboy is someone from Texas, who wears boots a gallon hat and likes to spit all the time! Oh yea I forgot they sometimes ride on horses!!!! yee-hah!!!! j/k Im actually from Texas and no I'm no cowboy. I just wanted my 2pts.

Answer 7

A cowboy, is usually a resident of TEXAS, wearing a TEXAN HAT, & JACKET, & JEANS, Lassoing, cows,horses, etc. on a form....as seen in Movies.

Answer 8

Well said, tdw! I've lived with and among them all my life. There's no where I feel safer than around a bunch of cowboys (real ones, that is).

Answer 9

A cowboy can also be a reckless person

Answer 10

You can tell by looking at his boots, If he or she has Horse, or Bull s*** on them , he's a real cowboy