What does gonzo mean Meaning and Definition
What does gonzo mean
Pronunciation
/ˈdoʊz/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A style of journalism that emphasizes subjective, personal experiences and unconventional storytelling techniques, often used to report on unconventional or extreme events.
Etymology
The term “gonzo” originated in the 1970s, derived from the name of the fictional character Hunter S. Thompson’s alter ego, “Raoul Duke,” who wrote for Rolling Stone magazine.
Usage Notes
The term “gonzo” is often used to describe reporting that is unconventional, insightful, and personal, but not necessarily objective.
Cultural References
Notable examples of gonzo journalism include Hunter S. Thompson’s coverage of the 1972 Democratic National Convention and Gonzo: The Life and Work of Dr. Hunter S. Thompson, a documentary film about Thompson’s life.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- “Gonzo journalism”
- “Gonzo reporting”
Related Words or Phrases
- Journalism
- Investigative reporting
- Photojournalism
Collocations
- gonzo investigation
- gonzo documentary
Frequency of Use
The term “gonzo” is relatively uncommon in everyday conversation, but is often used in academic and professional contexts to describe unconventional reporting styles.
Common Misspellings
- gounzo
- gonoze