honcho
Say it: HON-choh /ˈhɒntʃəʊ/ · noun
What “honcho” means
The person in charge.
More precisely: The person in charge; the boss, often 'head honcho'.
Example: “You'll need sign-off from the head honcho in finance.”
When to use it
Use it casually for the boss or leader, often as “head honcho”. It sounds informal and slightly playful.
Memory trick
From Japanese hanchō, meaning “squad leader”: the person leading the group.
Similar words
boss, chief, top dog
Where it comes from
Japanese hanchō, 'squad leader', picked up by American soldiers.
Quick check
Everyone at the workshop waits for one person's final decision before starting. Who is that person in casual language?
the honcho or the spokesperson?
Show the answer
the honcho
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