gigolo

[ jig-uh-loh, zhig- ]

noun

, plural gig·o·los.

1. a man living off the earnings or gifts of a woman, especially a younger man supported by an older woman in return for his sexual attentions and companionship.
2. a male professional dancing partner or escort.

gigolo

/ ˈʒɪɡəˌləʊ /

noun

1. a man who is kept by a woman, esp an older woman
2. a man who is paid to dance with or escort women

Word History and Origins

Origin of gigolo¹

First recorded in 1920–25; from French, masculine derivative of gigole, gigolette “woman of the streets, of public dance halls,” probably ultimately from Middle French giguer “to frolic” ( jig ² ); giglet, which may have influenced gigolette

Word History and Origins

Origin of gigolo¹

C20: from French, back formation from gigolette girl for hire as a dancing partner, prostitute, from giguer to dance, from gigue a fiddle; compare gigot , gigue , jig

Example Sentences

Among movies that premiered at Cannes are David Cronenberg’s grief-stricken drama “The Shrouds,” Paul Schrader’s reunion with his “American Gigolo” star Richard Gere in “Oh, Canada,” and Jia Zhang-ke’s “Caught by the Tides,” featuring footage captured by the director over two decades.

From Los Angeles Times

Schneider, who starred in such movies as “Deuce Bigalow: Male Gigolo” and “The Hot Chick,” called for vengeance in the immediate aftermath of the verdict but not for violence.

From Los Angeles Times

Gere, reuniting with Schrader for their first collaboration since the exuberant strut of 1980’s “American Gigolo,” is a fragile, vulnerable presence here, playing up Leonard’s thickened voice and dimmed virility.

From Los Angeles Times

He was still working into his late 80s, making recent appearances on the TV series “The Righteous Gemstones” and “American Gigolo.”

From Seattle Times

Conversely, she said she had “a spectacular successful experience every time” she worked with embattled filmmaker Woody Allen, who directed her in “Stardust Memories” and worked with her on “Antz” and “Fading Gigolo.”

From Los Angeles Times