Plural of gigolo; men, typically younger, who are supported by or provide companionship to wealthy women in exchange for money or gifts.
From French gigolo (from gigue, a type of dance, + -olo diminutive suffix). The term emerged in early 20th-century French to describe a specific social type.
The word gigolo comes from 'gigue,' a dance—the original gigolos were dance partners for hire, making it a word that evolved from entertainment to something far more commercially transactional.
A gigolo is a male escort or man maintained by a woman for companionship or intimacy. The term carries gendered judgment: while the female patron is mocked for her sexuality/wealth, the gigolo's morality is questioned. Etymology traces to 'gigot' (leg), reflecting objectification.
Use 'male escort' or 'paid companion' to reduce moralistic gender bias. If discussing dynamics, acknowledge asymmetric judgment of male vs. female patrons.
["male escort","paid companion"]
Historically, women who employed gigolos faced harsher social judgment than men who employed female sex workers—a double standard worth acknowledging.
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