Monday, 2 March 2026

Japanese 'han chō' in the English language

'Honcho' is a word borrowed from Japanese 'han chō'. The word entered the English language some time around 1955.


honcho [noun] [1955]
  • boss
  • hotshot
See 'honcho' on the Loan Words Map

See more loan words from Japanese.

Etymology: Japanese 'hanchō' squad leader, from 'han' squad + 'chō' head, chief
See more loan words from 1950s.


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