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Gumshoe: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿ•ต๏ธโ€โ™‚๏ธ
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gumshoe

 

[ หˆษกสŒmสƒuห ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

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:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น detetive

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคœเคพเคธเฅ‚เคธ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Detektiv

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ detektif

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะดะตั‚ะตะบั‚ะธะฒ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ detektyw

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ๆŽขๅต

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท dรฉtective

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ detective

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท dedektif

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ํƒ์ •

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ู…ุญู‚ู‚

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ detektiv

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ detektรญv

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ไพฆๆŽข

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ detektiv

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ rannsรณknarmaรฐur

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะดะตั‚ะตะบั‚ะธะฒ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ“แƒ”แƒขแƒ”แƒฅแƒขแƒ˜แƒ•แƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ detektiv

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ detective

Word origin

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.