gigolo

American  

[jig-uh-loh, zhig-] / ˈdʒɪg əˌloʊ, ˈʒɪg- /

noun

plural

gigolos

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.

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gigolo British  

/ 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

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Etymology

Origin of gigolo

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” ( see jig ²); cf. giglet, which may have influenced gigolette

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 • Aug. 18, 2023

"I stepped up on the kerb and, as my foot came down, I was like, 'Who's that gigolo on the street?'" says the singer.

From BBC • Feb. 1, 2020

The character Joanna has been reinvented as Joe, played by Enzo Cilenti as an old-style continental gigolo.

From New York Times • Aug. 12, 2019

Not always a gigolo and gambler, Casanova also pursued careers in medicine, the law, military service and even as a church cleric.

From Washington Times • Jul. 17, 2018

From that afternoon, throughout the next two weeks, if any girl as thoroughly fine as Mary Hubbell could be said to run after any man, Mary ran after that gigolo.

From Gigolo by Ferber, Edna