GONZO Definition & Meaning

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gonzo

[gon-zoh]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

adjective

(of journalism, reportage, etc.) filled with bizarre or subjective ideas, commentary, or the like.
crazy; eccentric.

noun

eccentricity, weirdness, or craziness.

gonzo

/ ˈɡɒ�Գ�əʊ /

adjective

wild or crazy
(of journalism) explicitly including the writer's feelings at the time of witnessing the events or undergoing the experiences written about

noun

a wild or crazy person

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51�Թ� History and Origins

Origin of gonzo¹

An Americanism first recorded in 1970–75; apparently from the phrase Gonzo journalism used by U.S. journalist Hunter S. Thompson (1939–2005); perhaps from Italian: “simpleton, one easily duped” (of uncertain origin) or from Spanish ganso “a lazy or dull person,” literally, “goose” (from Germanic; goose )

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51�Թ� History and Origins

Origin of gonzo¹

C20: perhaps from Italian, literally: fool, or Spanish ganso idiot, bumpkin (literally: goose)

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

While Zoë has tackled some comedic roles in the past, she’s never gone full gonzo.

From

Audiences hoping for a gonzo bloodbath will be disappointed that Finnegan keeps his morality murky.

From

Montiel’s insistence on humanity, even in this kind of gonzo genre flick, develops into his thesis statement.

From

As gonzo journalist Hunter Thompson quipped in 1988, “Yesterday’s weirdness is tomorrow’s reason why.”

From

Perhaps not when the options include Fargeat’s gonzo work on “The Substance” and RaMell Ross’ expressionistic approach to “Nickel Boys,” a movie that feels like the most-directed film of the year.

From

González Márquez goo

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