Gumshoe: meaning, definitions and examples
๐ต๏ธโโ๏ธ
gumshoe
[ หษกสmสuห ]
detective role
Gumshoe is a colloquial term used primarily in American English to refer to a private detective or investigator. The term is often associated with the hard-boiled detective genre, which includes fictional characters who solve crimes and mysteries. The word evokes the image of a detective who is always on the move, often roaming the streets to gather clues. Additionally, it can imply someone who is resourceful and willing to engage in shoe-leather investigative work. Gumshoes are often depicted in literature and films as working outside the law, utilizing their wit and cunning to unveil the truth.
Synonyms
detective, investigator, private eye, sleuth
Examples of usage
- The gumshoe caught the burglar red-handed.
- In the novel, the gumshoe solved the case with clever tactics.
- The gumshoe's keen perception led to a crucial breakthrough.
- As a gumshoe, he followed every lead to find the missing person.
Translations
Translations of the word "gumshoe" in other languages:
๐ต๐น detetive
๐ฎ๐ณ เคเคพเคธเฅเคธ
๐ฉ๐ช Detektiv
๐ฎ๐ฉ detektif
๐บ๐ฆ ะดะตัะตะบัะธะฒ
๐ต๐ฑ detektyw
๐ฏ๐ต ๆขๅต
๐ซ๐ท dรฉtective
๐ช๐ธ detective
๐น๐ท dedektif
๐ฐ๐ท ํ์
๐ธ๐ฆ ู ุญูู
๐จ๐ฟ detektiv
๐ธ๐ฐ detektรญv
๐จ๐ณ ไพฆๆข
๐ธ๐ฎ detektiv
๐ฎ๐ธ rannsรณknarmaรฐur
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะดะตัะตะบัะธะฒ
๐ฌ๐ช แแแขแแฅแขแแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ detektiv
๐ฒ๐ฝ detective
Etymology
The term 'gumshoe' originated in the early 20th century in the United States, deriving from the soft-soled shoes worn by detectives in the field, which allowed them to move quietly while conducting investigations. The first recorded use of gumshoe in this context dates back to the 1930s, although it is unclear exactly when it was coined. Soft-soled shoes were practical for detectives who often worked undercover or needed to follow suspects discreetly, leading to the association of this footwear with sleuthing. Over time, the term began to refer specifically to the private detectives themselves, particularly those characterized by a gritty, hard-boiled persona in literature and film. The term gained popularity alongside the rise of detective novels and films in the mid-20th century, solidifying its place in American cultural lexicon. Gumshoes are often depicted as resourceful individuals navigating the complexities of law enforcement and crime, making the term synonymous with a certain archetype in crime fiction.
Word Frequency Rank
At position #40,972, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.
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- 40969 pastis
- 40970 gypped
- 40971 underwhelmed
- 40972 gumshoe
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- 40974 jibbed
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