missus
UK[ˈmɪsɪz]US[ˈmɪsɪz]
n
A term used to refer to or address a man's wife, often in an informal or humorous way.
n
A term used to address a woman, especially one in charge of a household.
Etymology
The word 'missus' originates from a colloquial pronunciation and spelling of the word 'mistress'. 'Mistress' itself comes from Middle English, via Old French maistresse, the feminine form of maistre (master), which derives from Latin magister (master, chief). Over time, 'mistress' developed various meanings, including a woman in authority, a female teacher, or a lover. In the 18th century, the contracted, informal pronunciation 'missus' became established as a term for a wife, reflecting a shift from a formal title of authority to a familiar, often affectionate, term for a married woman within the domestic sphere.
Analysis
The word is a phonetic alteration and contraction of the title "mistress". It is not productively built from smaller, independent morphemes in modern English.
Examples
I'll have to check with the missus before I agree to anything.
He's taking his missus out for a fancy dinner tonight.
The missus is the real boss of the household.