Interesting and mostly trivia you find out when you are retired:
The word “cowboy” was used to describe men who had been implicated in various crimes in Tombstone AZ. A criminal group were called “Cowboys” and it became an insult in the area to call someone a “cowboy,” as it suggested he was a horse thief, robber, or outlaw.
Cattlemen were generally called herders or ranchers. The Cowboys’ activities were ultimately curtailed by the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral and the resulting Earp Vendetta Ride.
Sounds vaguely grass cropping sheep related.
Range war material...