Cutup Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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cutup
[ˈkʌt.ʌp ]
Definitions
writing technique
A cutup is a literary technique that involves slicing up a text and rearranging the pieces to create new meanings and forms. This method challenges traditional narrative structures by disrupting the flow of thought and offering juxtaposition of unrelated ideas. The technique is often associated with avant-garde writing and experimental literature, encouraging readers to engage with the text in a new way. Artists and writers incorporate cutups to provoke thought and highlight the randomness of language.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The author used a cutup technique in her latest novel.
- Many poets experiment with cutups to inspire creativity.
- Cutups can reveal unexpected connections between words.
editing process
To cutup is to edit or manipulate a text by physically cutting it into pieces and rearranging those pieces. This method can be applied to both visual and written media, giving rise to a new form of expression. It often involves a playful or artistic approach, encouraging spontaneity in the creative process. Artists have utilized this method to emphasize the importance of fragmentation in contemporary culture.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- She decided to cutup the magazine articles for her project.
- He cut up the film to showcase different perspectives.
- Using a cutup method can turn mundane text into art.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Pop Culture
- Famous comedians like Robin Williams and Eddie Murphy are often described as cutups for their hilarious performances.
- In films, characters who provide comic relief are sometimes called cutups, adding levity to serious situations.
Psychology
- Humor plays a crucial role in social interactions and can help build friendships.
- Being a cutup can often reflect a person's desire to connect with others through shared laughter and joy.
Literature
- In literature, characters who are cutups often serve as the comic foil, bringing humor to otherwise dark or serious stories.
- Renowned authors like Mark Twain and P.G. Wodehouse featured cutup characters, showcasing their charm and relatability.
Education
- Teachers may encourage students to be cutups in a positive way to create a fun learning environment.
- Being witty and humorous can enhance public speaking and communication skills in classrooms.
Origin of 'cutup'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'cutup' comes from the phrase 'cut up,' which means to start having fun or to act silly.
- It became popular in American slang during the 20th century, referring to someone who was entertaining.
The term 'cutup' originated in the mid-20th century, largely credited to the Dada movement and artists such as Tristan Tzara, who famously encouraged aleatory methods in poetry. It gained popularity through William S. Burroughs, who utilized the cutup technique in his works to disrupt conventional narrative structures and explore the randomness of thought and language. Burroughs' experimentation with this method, especially in the 1960s, influenced many writers and artists, leading to its integration into various forms of art and literature. The technique reflects a postmodern response to the constraints of traditional storytelling, inviting greater interaction between the text and the reader's interpretation.