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
1
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."
2
Wild, bizarre, or over-the-top.
"The film had a gonzo energy that critics either loved or hated."
noun
1
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 notesIn plain EnglishA style of reporting (or a personality) that is chaotic, immersive, and unapologetically subjective.
Common pairings
gonzo journalism
go gonzo
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Word forms
- Plural
- gonzos
- Comparative
- more gonzo
- Superlative
- most gonzo
Fill the gap
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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").
Class of 1971
gonzo joined the language around 1971.
See the full Class of 1971 →
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for gonzo
See all rhymes for gonzo →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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