gigolo

[jig-uh-loh, zhig-]

noun

plural

gigolos 

1. a man living off the earnings or gifts of a woman, especially a younger man supported by an older woman in return for his sexual attentions and companionship.

2. a male professional dancing partner or escort.

gigolo

/ ˈʒɪɡəˌləʊ /

noun

1. a man who is kept by a woman, esp an older woman

2. a man who is paid to dance with or escort women

Word History and Origins

Origin of gigolo¹

First recorded in 1920–25; from French, masculine derivative of gigole, gigolette “woman of the streets, of public dance halls,” probably ultimately from Middle French giguer “to frolic” ( jig ² ); giglet, which may have influenced gigolette

Word History and Origins

Origin of gigolo¹

C20: from French, back formation from gigolette girl for hire as a dancing partner, prostitute, from giguer to dance, from gigue a fiddle; compare _gigot , _gigue , _jig

Example Sentences

“What? Why would your dad think you’re a gigolo? Didn’t you say you were a writer, a voice-over actor, a comedian, a hotel bellman?”

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The defense attorney described Bravo in his opening arguments as a “gigolo” who had essentially turned Rachel into a concubine.

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The case of the missing gigolo, who may or may not have been run over by a car outside an exclusive club, leads Marlowe into a shadowy world of drug and sex trafficking.

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She goes back for the gigolo’s gun and comes to the door.

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Rhodes, as the gigolo, looked more Miami Vice than Mediterranean in his sunglasses.

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