I always thought it was a short slang friendly term for "Master"... Am I mistaken?
As far as I know, that is the correct etymology, however, it didn't have any negative connotations. It was a term of endearment.
16 posted on 01/19/2006 11:28:09 AM PST by Terabitten
(If you've abused the public trust, the public should never trust you again. Throw the bums out!)