What about work friends? Yes there is such a term. They're people who are very close at work and prolly worked together a long time. They walk and joke around like hell, but they don't hang out outside of work.

My former fast food supervisor has someone like that. They used to work together at another fast food joint since the mid 90's. My supervisor was already GM and her work friend eventually became GM. Then they both quit that place a few years ago in favor of their current company. Her work friend was actually the one that hired me. A month later, she got promoted to corporate office and got replaced by the person I came to "look up to."

I asked her if that lady is her best friend. She said hell yeah. Then I asked if they hang out outside of work. She said no they don't.

A light bulb went on inside my head. Work friend.