gonzo

[ gon-zoh ]

adjective

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

noun

1. eccentricity, weirdness, or craziness.

gonzo

/ ˈɡɒnzəʊ /

adjective

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

noun

1. a wild or crazy person

Word 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 )

Word History and Origins

Origin of gonzo¹

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

Example Sentences

Hopefully, “Rumours” can kick off a new age of gonzo, let’s-all-laugh-in-fear-together entertainment.

From Los Angeles Times

As gonzo journalist Norman Mailer wrote at the time, "Either the convention was sewn up for Humphrey or the convention was soft. No one really knew."

From Salon

Bay himself utilized drones with a certain gonzo artfulness in his 2022 film “Ambulance,” but Adil & Bilall use their drones to follow people and movement in space and explore the geography of interiors.

From Los Angeles Times

Through her bold storytelling, “The Sleepwalkers” becomes a work of peculiar, gonzo genius.

From New York Times

Liman imbues the entire film with a gonzo sensibility where anything can happen.

From Los Angeles Times