honcho

[hon-choh] /ˈhɒn tʃoʊ/

noun, plural honchos.

a leader, especially an assertive leader; chief.

verb (used with object)

to organize, supervise, or be the leader of:

She volunteered to honcho the new project.

Origin

1945-50; < Japanese hanchō squad or group leader, equivalent to han squad (< Middle Chinese, equivalent to Chinese bān) + -chō eldest, chief (< Middle Chinese, equivalent to Chinese zhǎng)

Examples from the web for honcho

He had ambitions, of course, but becoming head honcho was not among them.
Thirty minutes with the campus chief honcho versus years of collegial scrutiny.
In fact, in light of the honcho's preview, it seemed rather good.
The mayhem begins when the head honcho of a financially struggling studio turns a lost dog into a legend.
Let's say your old boss is gone and the new head honcho is not aware of all your glorious achievements.

British Dictionary definitions for honcho

honcho

/ˈhɒntʃəʊ/

noun (pl) -chos

the person in charge; the boss

verb

to supervise or be in charge of

Word Origin

C20: from Japanese han'chō group leader

Word Origin and History for honcho

1947, American English, "officer in charge," from Japanese hancho "group leader," from han "corps, squad" + cho "head, chief." Picked up by U.S. servicemen in Japan and Korea, 1947-1953.

Slang definitions & phrases for honcho

honcho

noun

The person in charge; chief; big enchilada, boss: better known as the honcho of Scientific Anglers, Inc (1947+)

verb

: honcho a staff

[fr Japanese hancho, ''squad leader''; han, ''small group,'' and cho, ''leader'']