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tycoon

/taɪˈkuːn/ Japanese Origin Business

Original Word

大君

Kanji (taikun)

Entered English

1850s

First recorded usage in English

The Story Behind "tycoon"

From Japanese 'taikun' (大君), literally 'great lord' or 'great prince', a title used by the shogun. Brought to English by Commodore Perry's expedition to Japan (1853-54). Now means a wealthy business magnate.

Example Usage

"The oil tycoon donated millions to charity."

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