Pronunciation: [ɡˈɒŋɡɔːɹˌɪst] (IPA) 
The word "Gongorist" is spelled with a silent "h" and a soft "g". In IPA phonetic transcription, it is written as /ɡɒŋɡərɪst/. The pronunciation of the first syllable is like "gong" but with a more open "o" sound, while the second syllable is pronounced with a typical "g" sound. The word refers to a follower or practitioner of the Baroque Spanish poet Luis de Góngora, whose style is known for its ornate and complex language.
A Gongorist refers to one who follows or adheres to the literary style of gongorismo, associated with the Spanish poet Luis de Góngora y Argote. Gongorism is known for its elaborate and ornate language, characterized by obscure metaphors, intricate syntax, and excessive use of exotic words and allusions. The term "Gongorist" emerged during the Spanish Golden Age in the 17th century to describe poets who emulated Góngora's intricate style.
Within the literary context, a Gongorist is often seen as someone who deliberately employs convoluted and ostentatious language, striving for excessive ornamentation and virtuosic wordplay in their poetic compositions. The Gongorist style aims to evoke a sense of grandeur, sophistication, and intellectual prowess, appealing to highly educated and cultured audiences.
Critics argue that Gongorism frequently sacrifices clarity and coherence in favor of artistic flourish and verbal acrobatics. While Góngora's style inspired many poets in Spain and across Europe, it also drew vehement criticism from proponents of simpler and more accessible poetic forms, such as the followers of Francisco de Quevedo.
Over time, the term "Gongorist" has expanded beyond its specific reference to literary style and can sometimes be used more broadly to describe anyone who employs pretentious, overly complex, or obscure language in their speech or writing, irrespective of its direct association with Luis de Góngora's works.
The word "Gongorist" derives from the name of a prominent Spanish poet, Luis de Góngora y Argote. Góngora, who lived from 1561 to 1627, was a leading figure of the Spanish literary movement known as culteranismo or Gongorism. Culteranismo was a style characterized by elaborate, ornate, and often highly complex language and metaphors. Góngora's poetry was marked by the use of extravagant and intricate poetic devices, which became a hallmark of culteranismo. Over time, the term "Gongorist" was developed to refer to both Góngora himself and to those who imitated or adhered to his particular poetic style.
