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gonzo

Pronunciation: /ˈɡɑnzoʊ/

The English word “gonzo” has 4 meanings listed here.

adjective

  1. Using an unconventional, exaggerated, and highly subjective style, often when the reporter takes part in the events of the story.
  2. Unconventional, bizarre, crazy.

noun

  1. Gonzo journalism or a journalist who produces such journalism.
  2. A wild or crazy person.

Etymology

Coined in 1971 by Boston Globe editor Bill Cardoso. Of uncertain origin; OED proposes Italian gonzo (“dolt”) and / or Spanish ganso (“dolt, goose”). The etymology supplied by Cardoso himself (French gonzeaux) is spurious; French does have a similar word gonze, but this is a loan from Italian.

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