gogo: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Informal, somewhat dated. Associated with 1960s and 1970s popular culture. Can be used in nostalgic or historical contexts.
Quick answer
What does “gogo” mean?
A dancer, typically female, in a discotheque or club who performs energetic dances while wearing revealing clothing.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A dancer, typically female, in a discotheque or club who performs energetic dances while wearing revealing clothing.
Can refer to a style of lively, fashionable, or uninhibited entertainment, dance, or activity, especially from the 1960s. Also used as an adjective meaning 'energetic', 'stylish', or 'of the moment'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term originated in US pop culture but was adopted in the UK. The cultural reference is largely shared, though its peak popularity may be more strongly associated with the American 1960s scene.
Connotations
In both varieties, it carries connotations of a bygone era's fashion and music. It can sound slightly quaint or humorous.
Frequency
Low frequency in modern speech. More likely to appear in historical discussions, fashion writing, or nostalgic pop culture references than in daily conversation.
Grammar
How to Use “gogo” in a Sentence
[be] a gogo[wear] go-go [boots]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “gogo” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- She wore vintage go-go boots to the party.
- The documentary explored London's go-go scene in the Swinging Sixties.
American English
- He bought a pair of white go-go boots for his Halloween costume.
- The club had a go-go dancer in a cage.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in historical contexts about the entertainment or fashion industry.
Academic
Rare. Could appear in cultural studies, sociology, or history papers about 1960s popular culture.
Everyday
Very rare in contemporary use. May be used humorously or nostalgically by older speakers.
Technical
Not used in technical contexts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “gogo”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “gogo”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “gogo”
- Writing as one word 'gogo' instead of the more standard hyphenated 'go-go' when used as an adjective.
- Using it to refer to modern club dancers, which sounds anachronistic.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
When used as an adjective (e.g., describing boots or a dancer), it is almost always hyphenated: 'go-go'. The noun for the dancer is sometimes written as 'gogo' but 'go-go dancer' is the standard collocation.
No, 'go-go' is not used as a verb in standard English. It functions as a noun (the dancer) or an adjective (describing a style).
It is used primarily in historical or nostalgic contexts. You might hear it when discussing 1960s fashion or music, but it is not part of active, contemporary vocabulary for most speakers.
It originated in the early 1960s, probably from the French phrase 'à gogo' (meaning 'in abundance', 'galore'), which was used in the name of the Parisian nightclub 'Whisky à Gogo'. It was adopted into American English to describe the energetic dance style and fashion of the time.
A dancer, typically female, in a discotheque or club who performs energetic dances while wearing revealing clothing.
Gogo is usually informal, somewhat dated. associated with 1960s and 1970s popular culture. can be used in nostalgic or historical contexts. in register.
Gogo: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡəʊ.ɡəʊ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡoʊ.ɡoʊ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “whisky a gogo (from French 'whisky à gogo', meaning whisky in abundance)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of GO-GO boots: they make you want to GO and dance!
Conceptual Metaphor
ENERGY/SPEED IS FORWARD MOTION (the repeated 'go' implies constant action).
Practice
Quiz
What is the most common modern use of the word 'go-go'?