Definition

Noun: 1. A person in charge; a boss or leader: The word "honcho" refers to someone who has authority, control, or command over others, especially in a work or organizational context. It implies the person who makes decisions and gives orders.

Usage

"Honcho" is an informal, slightly slang term for a person in a position of authority. It is most commonly used in business, project, or team settings to refer to the leader or the person ultimately responsible.

Examples

Advanced Usage

• "Head honcho": This is a very common reinforcing phrase. "Head honcho" emphasizes that the person is the top leader, the main person in charge.
  • The head honcho from the corporate office is visiting tomorrow.

Variants and Related Words

• Honchos (noun, plural): The standard plural form.
  • All the department honchos met for a strategy session.

Synonyms

• Boss: A very common synonym for a person in charge.
• Leader: A more formal term for someone who guides or directs a group.
• Chief: Often used in titles (e.g., Chief Executive Officer).
• Foreman: Specifically a supervisor of a group of workers, as noted in the reference.
• Manager: A person responsible for controlling or administering an organization or group of staff.

Antonyms

• Subordinate: A person under the authority or control of another.
• Employee: A person employed for wages or salary.
• Underling: A derogatory term for a person of lower rank or status.

Notes

"Honcho" is informal. In very formal writing or situations, words like "supervisor," "director," "executive," or "manager" are more appropriate. Its origin is from Japanese hanchō (班長), meaning "squad leader."

Noun

1. a person who exercises control over workers
   • if you want to leave early you have to ask the foreman