gonzo: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Informal, slang, sometimes journalistic jargon.
Quick answer
What does “gonzo” mean?
A style of journalism or reporting that is extremely subjective and participatory, placing the reporter at the centre of the story, often in an exaggerated, bizarre, or reckless manner.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A style of journalism or reporting that is extremely subjective and participatory, placing the reporter at the centre of the story, often in an exaggerated, bizarre, or reckless manner.
Used more broadly to describe anything characterised by madness, chaos, eccentricity, or a highly unconventional, first-person, and unrestrained approach.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term originates from American journalism (Hunter S. Thompson). It is understood in the UK but used less frequently and may be perceived as a more specific American cultural reference.
Connotations
In the US, it strongly evokes the 1970s counterculture and Thompson's legacy. In the UK, the journalistic sense may be less immediately resonant, while the general 'crazy' sense is understood.
Frequency
Higher frequency in American English, particularly in media/cultural discussions. Lower frequency in British English, where terms like 'lunatic', 'chaotic', or 'over-the-top' might be preferred in everyday speech.
Grammar
How to Use “gonzo” in a Sentence
[BE] gonzo[VERB] in a gonzo stylea gonzo [NOUN (e.g., piece, film, account)]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “gonzo” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The filmmaker decided to gonzo his way through the political protest, camera in hand.
American English
- He totally gonzoed the assignment, filing a story full of personal anecdotes and wild speculation.
adverb
British English
- He reported gonzo, living with the subjects for months.
American English
- She approached the story gonzo, refusing to remain a detached observer.
adjective
British English
- The documentary had a gonzo feel, with the presenter jumping into every situation.
American English
- His gonzo account of the campaign trail was more thrilling than any novel.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might be used metaphorically to describe an extremely aggressive or unorthodox business strategy.
Academic
Rare, except in media/journalism studies discussing the style.
Everyday
Used informally to mean 'crazy,' 'wild,' or 'intense.'
Technical
Primarily a term in journalism and media criticism.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “gonzo”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “gonzo”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “gonzo”
- Using it in formal contexts.
- Assuming it only means 'crazy' and missing its journalistic origins.
- Spelling it as 'gonzoo' or 'gonso'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is widely attributed to American journalist Hunter S. Thompson in the 1970s. Its exact origin is unclear but may come from Italian 'gonzo' (fool) or Irish 'Gainsborough'.
No. While its primary technical meaning relates to a journalistic style, it is commonly used as a general informal adjective meaning crazy, bizarre, or intensely participatory in any field (e.g., gonzo filmmaking, gonzo comedy).
No. It is informal slang, even in its journalistic sense. It is not suitable for formal academic or business writing unless discussing the concept specifically.
'Immersive' suggests deep involvement but can still aim for objectivity. 'Gonzo' explicitly embraces subjectivity, personal experience, and often a distorted, stylised narrative as its primary goal.
A style of journalism or reporting that is extremely subjective and participatory, placing the reporter at the centre of the story, often in an exaggerated, bizarre, or reckless manner.
Gonzo: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡɒnzəʊ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡɑːnzoʊ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “to go gonzo”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a journalist named GONZO who is so involved in his story he ZOoms into the chaos, becoming part of it.
Conceptual Metaphor
REPORTING IS A WILD RIDE (where the journalist is a participant, not an observer).
Practice
Quiz
In its broad, informal use, 'gonzo' is closest in meaning to: