English

Adjective

gonzo ‎(comparative more gonzo, superlative most gonzo)

1. (journalism) Using an unconventional, exaggerated and highly subjective style, often when the reporter takes part in the events of the story.
   • 1972, R. Pollack, Stop Presses, Chapter VI

     I ask Hunter to explain... Just what is Gonzo Journalism?.. ‘Gonzo all started with Bill Cardosa [sic],..after I wrote the Kentucky Derby piece for Scanlan's..the first time I realized you could write different. And..I got this note from Cardosa saying, ‘That was pure Gonzo journalism!’.. Some Boston word for weird, bizarre.’

Derived terms

• gonzo journalism

References

1. ↑ “gonzo, adj.”, in OED Online, Oxford: Oxford University Press, April 2013.
2. ↑ What is Gonzo? The Etymology of an Urban Legend, Martin Hirst, 2004.

Etymology 2

Noun

gonzo ‎(plural gonzos)

1. A wild or crazy person

Italian

Etymology

Borrowing from Spanish ganso.

Noun

gonzo m ‎(plural gonzi)

1. simpleton, dolt
2. dupe