supremo: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (C2)Informal, journalistic, sometimes humorous or ironic.
Quick answer
What does “supremo” mean?
A person with the highest authority or rank in a particular organization or field.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person with the highest authority or rank in a particular organization or field.
Used informally to denote an expert, leader, or the most important figure in a domain, often with connotations of absolute or near-absolute power.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
More common in British English, especially in journalistic contexts. In American English, alternatives like 'chief', 'head honcho', or 'top dog' are more frequent in informal registers.
Connotations
In British usage, it can carry a slightly ironic or sensationalist tone, especially in tabloids. In American usage, it may sound like a borrowed, colorful term.
Frequency
Low frequency in both, but higher in UK media.
Grammar
How to Use “supremo” in a Sentence
[determiner] + supremo + [prepositional phrase 'of'/'for']the new + supremo + ofappointed + as + supremoVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “supremo” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The new cycling supremo promised a complete overhaul of the team's strategy.
- As the media supremo, her decisions shaped national news coverage for decades.
American English
- The company brought in a logistics supremo to fix its supply chain issues.
- He was the undisputed supremo of the local political machine.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to a top executive, e.g., 'the new marketing supremo'.
Academic
Rare; used informally to describe a leading figure in a field.
Everyday
Uncommon; may be used humorously to refer to someone in charge of a household task, e.g., 'the BBQ supremo'.
Technical
Not used in technical registers.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “supremo”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “supremo”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “supremo”
- Using it in formal contexts. Using it as a synonym for 'expert' without the connotation of authority. Incorrect plural: 'supremos' (correct) not 'supremi'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is primarily an informal, journalistic, or sometimes ironic label, not an official job title.
Yes, though it is a masculine form in its origin (Spanish/Italian), in modern English it is applied to any gender (e.g., 'marketing supremo'). The rare feminine form 'suprema' is almost never used in English.
It was borrowed into English in the mid-20th century from Spanish and Italian, where 'supremo' means 'supreme'. It was influenced by its use in titles like 'El Supremo' and 'Il Duce'.
'Supremo' implies a higher, often singular, level of authority and is more colorful and connotative. 'Boss' and 'chief' are more neutral and general.
A person with the highest authority or rank in a particular organization or field.
Supremo: in British English it is pronounced /suːˈpriːməʊ/, and in American English it is pronounced /səˈpriməʊ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “kitchen cabinet and party supremo”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'supreme' (highest) + 'o' (like a title: 'El Jefe' or 'Il Duce'). The 'supremo' is the supreme one.
Conceptual Metaphor
HIERARCHY IS UP / AUTHORITY IS A TITLE. The word places the person at the top of a vertical structure.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'supremo' LEAST likely to be used appropriately?