Phrase guide

big kahuna

noun · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

noun

Meaning 1

A boss, leader, chieftain, or top-ranking person in an organization.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic, informal

Examples

  • You'll have to talk with the big kahuna to get a decision on that.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

Borrowed from Hawaiian word kahuna (“a shaman or wizard”).

Across languages

Translations

4 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Finnish: pääjehu — boss
  • Italian: pezzo da novanta — boss
  • Portuguese: mandachuva — boss
  • Spanish: gran jefe — boss