The word 'tycoon' originally came from Japanese as 'taikun'

'Tycoon' is a word borrowed from Japanese 'taikun'. The word entered the English language some time around 1857.

tycoon [noun] [1857]

• shogun
• a top leader (as in politics)
• a businessman of exceptional wealth and power
• magnate

Meaning: shogun; a top leader (as in politics); a businessman of exceptional wealth and power : magnate.

Etymology: Japanese taikun.

Topics: Economy:Finance.

Origin: From Japanese to English.

See 'tycoon' on the Loan Words Map

See more loan words from Japanese.

See more loan words from 1800s.