# gonzo

> English word · Adjective · IPA /ˈɡɑnzoʊ/ · frequency rank #37,001

## Definitions
1. Using an unconventional, exaggerated, and highly subjective style, often when the reporter takes part in the events of the story.
2. Unconventional, bizarre, crazy.

## Etymology
Coined in 1971 by Boston Globe editor Bill Cardoso. Of uncertain origin; OED proposes Italian gonzo (“dolt”) and / or Spanish ganso (“dolt, goose”). The etymology supplied by Cardoso himself (French gonzeaux) is spurious.

## Easily confused with
- **goo** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/gonzo-vs-goo)
- **GOTO** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/gonzo-vs-goto)
- **gone** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/gone-vs-gonzo)
- **gong** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/gong-vs-gonzo)
- **gino** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/gino-vs-gonzo)
- **gogo** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/gogo-vs-gonzo)
- **gonna** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/gonna-vs-gonzo)
- **Gonzalo** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/gonzalo-vs-gonzo)

## Common misspellings (7)
`ggonzo`, `gnozo`, `gonnzo`, `gonoz`, `gonzzo`, `gozno`, `ognzo`

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/gonzo