honcho

(hŏn'chō) Slang.
n., pl., -chos.
One who is in charge; a manager or leader: "Now that Hollywood honchos have discovered the verdant beachfront villages, the stores have grown in scope and sophistication" (David Field).

tr.v., -choed, -cho·ing, -chos.
To direct or manage: "He . . . is honchoing preparations for the forthcoming . . . economic summit" (Newsweek).

[Japanese hanchō, squad leader : han, squad (from Middle Chinese pa·n, arrangement, class) + chō, chief (from Middle Chinese trؖanj).]

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noun

One who is highest in rank or authority: boss, chief, chieftain, director, head, headman, hierarch, leader, master. Idioms: cock of the walk. See over/under.

A slang term describing the leader or person in charge of an organization.

Investopedia Says:
The CEO of a company could be referred to as the honcho or "head honcho."

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The person in charge which is not necessarily the person assigned to be in charge. See HMFIC.

noun
noun

1: A leader or manager, the person in charge, the boss. (1947 —) .
New Yorker I was the first employee who was not one of the honchos (1973). verb trans.

2: To be in charge of, oversee. (1964 —) .

[From Japanese han'chō group leader.]

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For a list of words related to honcho, see:

• Affectionate Reference
• Respectful or Admiring Reference

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See words rhyming with "honcho."