Gonzo

Gonzo may refer to several concepts in popular culture and media. The most widely known are a Muppet character and a journalistic style associated with Hunter S. Thompson.

Gonzo is a Muppet character created by Jim Henson. He is characterized by his distinctive elongated nose and blue fur and is often referred to as “Gonzo the Great.” In The Muppet Show and related films, he is depicted as an eccentric stunt performer with a quirky sense of humor and a fond, if ambiguous, sense of companionship with other Muppets. His species is not specified within the canon, and the character serves as a figure for surreal, self-referential humor.

Gonzo journalism is a style of journalism popularized by Hunter S. Thompson in the late 20th century. It emphasizes immersive, first-person reporting that blends fact with opinion and satire. The journalist becomes a central participant in the narrative, often challenging traditional objectivity. Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas and various Rolling Stone pieces are commonly cited examples.

Beyond these, "Gonzo" is used more broadly as slang for something wild or unorthodox and can appear as a nickname or character name in various media.