gigolo

A gigolo ( JIG-ə-loh, ZHIG-) is a male escort, call boy or social companion who is supported by a person in a continuing relationship. The term gigolo usually implies a man who adopts a lifestyle consisting of a number of such relationships serially rather than having other means of support. The gigolo is expected to provide companionship, to serve as a consistent escort with good manners and social skills, and often to serve as a dancing partner as required by the woman in exchange for the support. Many gifts, such as expensive clothing and an automobile to drive, may be lavished upon him. The relationship may include sexual services as well, and he also can be referred to as a "kept man." The word gigolo may be traced to a first usage in English as a neologism during the 1920s as a back-...