macguffin

Meanings

• noun

  An object or device that drives the plot of a film, novel, or other narrative, typically one that is enigmatic or possesses hidden importance.

  - "The stolen painting served as the macguffin for the heist plot."
  - "In the novel, the locket was the macguffin that set off the chain of events."

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Variants

List of all variants of macguffin that leads to same result
MacGuffin , MacGuffins , McGuffin , McGuffins , Macguffin

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Etymology

origin and the way in which meanings have changed throughout history.

The term 'macguffin' is believed to have originated from a Scottish dialect word meaning 'a moveable goalpost' or 'a meaningless object'.

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Trivia

Any details, considerations, events or pieces of information regarding the word

1. The term 'macguffin' was popularized in film criticism by film scholar William Archer.

2. The term has since been used in various forms of media, including literature, video games, and television shows.

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Related Concepts

informations on related concepts or terms closely associated with the word. Discuss semantic fields or domains that the word belongs to

1. Deus ex machina: A plot device whereby a seemingly unsolvable problem is suddenly and abruptly resolved, typically by the introduction of a new character or event.

2. Motif: A recurring theme, idea, or element in a literary or artistic work.

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Culture

Any cultural, historical, or symbolic significance of the word. Explore how the word has been used in literature, art, music, or other forms of expression.

The term 'macguffin' gained popularity in literary and film criticism due to its use in Alfred Hitchcock's films, particularly 'The 39 Steps' and 'North by Northwest'. It has since been used to describe any object or plot device that drives the narrative forward.

How to Memorize "macguffin"

1. visualize
   

   - Imagine a mysterious object that holds the key to a larger mystery.
   - Visualize a plot device that drives the narrative forward.

2. associate
   

   - Associate the word 'macguffin' with a mysterious object or plot device.
   - Think of a device that sets off a chain reaction of events in a story.

3. mnemonics
   

   - Mnemonic: M - Mysterious Object, A - Advances the Plot, C - Creates a Chain Reaction, G - Grips the Audience's Attention, U - Unravels the Mystery, F - Forwards the Narrative, F - Fascinates the Viewer or Reader, I - Ignites the Imagination, N - Necessitates the Resolution.

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