gigolo
Noun: 1. A man who is paid by a woman, typically an older or wealthier woman, to be her romantic companion or escort, often implying a sexual relationship. The term emphasizes that the man is financially supported by the woman in exchange for his company and attention. 2. A male professional dancing partner or escort for hire. This older sense focuses on the man being paid to accompany a woman, especially as a dance partner, though it often carries the same connotations of financial support.
The word "gigolo" is used to describe a specific, often socially stigmatized, type of relationship. It highlights a transactional dynamic where companionship (and often intimacy) is exchanged for financial support. It is typically used in a disapproving or judgmental way.
- Noun:
- The scandal revealed that the wealthy widow's young companion was nothing more than a gigolo.
- In the novel, the character works as a gigolo for older women in the city.
- He was accused of being a gigolo after he moved into her mansion and started driving her expensive car.
- Cultural/Social Context: The term "gigolo" carries strong pejorative connotations. It implies the man is exploiting the woman's wealth and emotions without genuine romantic interest. The female counterpart is often called a "gold digger," but the dynamics and social judgment differ.
- Historical Usage: Originally, in the early 20th century, a gigolo was specifically a professional male dancing partner hired by women at dance halls. The modern meaning evolved from this.
- Gigolo is used as both a singular and plural noun (gigolos).
- Related Concept: Gold digger (n): A person who forms a relationship with another purely to extract money or gifts. (While related, "gold digger" is not gender-specific but is often applied to women, whereas "gigolo" is exclusively male.)
- Related Concept: Kept man (n): A man who is financially supported by a lover, similar to "gigolo" but sometimes used in a slightly less pejorative or more discreet context.
- Hustler (in this specific context)
- Male escort (a more neutral, professional term that may or may not imply sexual services)
- Paramour (archaic, means a lover, but does not inherently imply financial support)
- To be someone's gigolo: This phrase is used to directly state the nature of the relationship.
- Rumors spread that he had become the aging actress's gigolo.
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a man who has sex with and is supported by a woman