Liberal Dictionary English Dictionary
honcho [hon-choh]Slang. Word Origin noun, plural hon·chos.
- 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 of honcho 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) British Dictionary definitions for honchoed honcho noun plural -chos
- the person in charge; the boss
verb
- to supervise or be in charge of
Word Origin for honcho C20: from Japanese han’chō group leader Word Origin and History for honchoed honcho n.
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.