Han=squad Cho=chief from the Japanese

Posted by Bruce Kahl on February 20, 2004

In Reply to: Head honcho posted by Sax on February 20, 2004

: Hi! I know this phrase means "top dog, numero uno," etc, but where does it come from? Thank you...

Main Entry: hon·cho
Pronunciation: 'hän-(")chO
Function: noun
Inflected Form(s): plural honchos
Etymology: Japanese hanchO squad leader, from han squad + chO head, chief