adj
gonzo
GON-zoh
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
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").