Guerrilla

Podcast 1 · Introduction

Guerrilla

A documentary-style narration: origin, meaning, and feel.

Part of speech

noun and adjective

Pronunciation

guh-RIL-uh  /ɡəˈrɪlə/

Definition

As a noun: a member of an irregular military force that uses unconventional tactics including ambush, sabotage, and hit-and-run attacks against a larger, conventional military force. As an adjective: relating to such fighting; (extended) describing unconventional, unexpected, often unofficial tactics in non-military contexts.

Plain meaning

A guerrilla is a fighter in an unofficial, irregular force that uses surprise, ambush, and mobility to fight a stronger conventional army. Extended to other contexts, guerrilla tactics means unconventional, unexpected approaches.

Register

Neutral in military contexts. Extended uses — guerrilla marketing, guerrilla gardening — are informal and suggest creative unconventionality and unofficial disruption. Note the spelling: guerrilla has two l's and the silent gu- prefix, and is frequently misspelled as gorilla.