gonzo
Definition from Wiktionary, the free dictionary
Contents |
English [edit]
Etymology 1 [edit]
Coined in 1971 by Boston Globe editor Bill Cardoso. Of uncertain origin; OED proposes Italian gonzo "fool" and/or Spanish ganso "fool, goose"[1]. The etymology supplied by Cardoso himself (French gonzeaux) is spurious[2].
Adjective [edit]
gonzo (comparative more gonzo, superlative most gonzo)
- (journalism) Using an unconventional, exaggerated and highly subjective style, often when the reporter is part of the story.
- 1972, R. Pollack, Stop Presses, Chapter VI
- I ask Hunter to explain... Just what is Gonzo Journalism?.. ‘Gonzo all started with Bill Cardosa [sic],..after I wrote the Kentucky Derby piece for Scanlan's..the first time I realized you could write different. And..I got this note from Cardosa saying, ‘That was pure Gonzo journalism!’.. Some Boston word for weird, bizarre.’
- 1972, R. Pollack, Stop Presses, Chapter VI
Derived terms [edit]
References [edit]
- ^ “gonzo, adj.” in OED Online, Oxford University Press, April 2013.
- ^ What is Gonzo? The Etymology of an Urban Legend, Martin Hirst, 2004.
Etymology 2 [edit]
Noun [edit]
gonzo (plural gonzos)
- A wild or crazy person
Italian [edit]
Noun [edit]
gonzo m (plural gonzi)
