adj

gonzo

GON-zoh

Gonzo (adj) means describing a highly subjective, exaggerated style of journalism where the reporter becomes part of the story. Example: “Hunter S. Thompson pioneered gonzo journalism in the 1970s.”

adj

Describing a highly subjective, exaggerated style of journalism where the reporter becomes part of the story.

"Hunter S. Thompson pioneered gonzo journalism in the 1970s."

Wild, bizarre, or over-the-top.

"The film had a gonzo energy that critics either loved or hated."

noun

A wild or crazy person, or a writer of gonzo-style journalism.

"He was a real gonzo, always chasing the most chaotic story in town."

How to use gonzo

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA style of reporting (or a personality) that is chaotic, immersive, and unapologetically subjective.

Common pairings

gonzo journalism go gonzo

Word forms

more gonzo comparative, gonzos plural, most gonzo superlative

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Hunter S. Thompson pioneered _____ journalism in the 1970s.

Etymology

Coined in 1971 by Boston Globe editor Bill Cardoso, possibly influenced by Italian gonzo ("fool") or Spanish ganso ("goose, fool").

Origin: Italian · First attested 1971

Class of 1971 gonzo joined the language around 1971.

Amtrak Davos Ms waterhole

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Rhymes for gonzo

Alonzo

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Frequently asked questions

What does “gonzo” mean?

The word “gonzo” means describing a highly subjective, exaggerated style of journalism where the reporter becomes part of the story. In plain terms, a style of reporting (or a personality) that is chaotic, immersive, and unapologetically subjective.

How do you pronounce “gonzo”?

“Gonzo” is pronounced GON-zoh (/ˈɡɑnzoʊ/ in IPA).

How do you use “gonzo” in a sentence?

Here is “gonzo” used in a sentence: “Hunter S. Thompson pioneered gonzo journalism in the 1970s.”

What part of speech is “gonzo”?

Depending on how it is used, “gonzo” can be an adjective and a noun.

Where does the word “gonzo” come from?

The word “gonzo” dates back to around 1971 and comes from Italian. Coined in 1971 by Boston Globe editor Bill Cardoso, possibly influenced by Italian gonzo ("fool") or Spanish ganso ("goose, fool").

How many meanings does “gonzo” have?

“Gonzo” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: describing a highly subjective, exaggerated style of journalism where the reporter becomes part of the story.

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Vocabulary lists that include gonzo:

Words with Italian origins