kahuna
kahuna Lexical Profile
kahuna Game Scores & Validity
• noun
North American (Slang, often in 'big kahuna') An important, influential, or high-ranking person; a chief, leader, or expert in a particular group or field.
"If we want this budget increase approved, we need to pitch the proposal directly to the big kahuna."
American In Hawaii, an indigenous priest, healer, shaman, or recognized master of a traditional art, craft, or profession.
"Before the voyage began, the village kahuna offered a traditional chant and blessing for the canoe builders."
Word Nuance & Usage
In native Hawaiian culture, 'kahuna' is a respected title for a priest, healer, or master craftsperson; its casual slang use in mainland American English (especially in 'big kahuna' to mean a boss or important person) is informal and considered culturally insensitive by some.
• Rhymes for kahuna
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the mid-19th century from Hawaiian 'kahuna', meaning a priest, sorcerer, or expert in any traditional profession, from Proto-Polynesian *tufunga ('expert' or 'craftsman').