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

“What? Why would your dad think you’re a gigolo? Didn’t you say you were a writer, a voice-over actor, a comedian, a hotel bellman?”

From Los Angeles Times

The defense attorney described Bravo in his opening arguments as a “gigolo” who had essentially turned Rachel into a concubine.

From Los Angeles Times

The case of the missing gigolo, who may or may not have been run over by a car outside an exclusive club, leads Marlowe into a shadowy world of drug and sex trafficking.

From New York Times

She goes back for the gigolo’s gun and comes to the door.

From Los Angeles Times

Rhodes, as the gigolo, looked more Miami Vice than Mediterranean in his sunglasses.

From New York Times