Spin-off Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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spin-off
[ˈspɪnˌɒf ]
Definitions
business
A spin-off is a new company or business entity created from an existing larger company, typically through the sale or distribution of new shares of the subsidiary. Spin-offs are often undertaken to allow the parent company to focus on its core business activities.
Synonyms
divestiture, offshoot, separation.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| spin-off |
Typically used in business to describe a new company created from a larger parent company. It often has a positive connotation, implying growth or creativity.
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| divestiture |
Primarily used in a business context to describe the process of selling off or disposing of a part of a company. It often involves financial or strategic reasons and sometimes has a more neutral or negative connotation.
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| separation |
Generally used to describe the act of making two or more parts or people become no longer connected. In business, it can refer to the process of splitting a company into parts, often with a neutral or practical tone.
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| offshoot |
Used to refer to something that has developed from something larger, often implying a natural growth or development. It can be used in both business and non-business contexts.
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Examples of usage
- The tech giant announced the spin-off of its cloud computing division.
- The spin-off will operate as a separate entity with its own management team.
entertainment
In the entertainment industry, a spin-off refers to a new television show, movie, or book that is derived from an existing popular work, typically focusing on a specific character or theme.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| spin-off |
It is used to describe a new product, company, or series that comes from an existing one. Often used in business, entertainment, and media contexts.
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| derivative |
Typically used in a more formal context to describe something that is developed from something else, especially if it lacks originality. It can have a somewhat negative connotation.
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| offshoot |
Used to refer to something that logically develops or branches off from something else. Common in both literal and figurative senses, such as plants or organizations.
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| sequel |
This specifically refers to a work that continues the story or develops the theme of an earlier one, often used in literature, films, and video games.
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Examples of usage
- The popular TV series had a successful spin-off focusing on one of the supporting characters.
- The spin-off movie explored the backstory of the main villain from the original film.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Pop Culture
- Popular spin-offs like 'Frasier' emerged from 'Cheers,' showcasing how beloved characters can continue their stories in different settings.
- Television networks often rely on spin-offs to capitalize on the success of original shows, as they tend to attract established fanbases.
- Within the Star Wars universe, shows like 'The Mandalorian' have become incredibly popular, demonstrating that spin-offs can create entire new story arcs.
Business
- Spin-offs in business often help companies focus on their core competencies by creating independent entities.
- An example includes PayPal, which originated from a spin-off of Confinity, showcasing how innovative services can emerge from larger companies.
- These new companies can bring fresh ideas to the market and engage differently with consumers.
Media Studies
- Media theorists argue that spin-offs contribute to a narrative universe, allowing for richer storytelling by exploring characters in depth.
- Critics often debate the quality of spin-offs, as they can sometimes diverge from the original's premise but can also offer new perspectives.
- The success or failure of spin-offs frequently affects public perception of the original work, influencing future productions.
Literature
- In literature, spin-offs can take the form of prequels or sequels that explore different characters within a well-known world.
- A famous example is the 'Alice' series by Lewis Carroll, which inspired various spin-off books expanding on the characters and themes.
- Fan fiction often acts as an informal type of spin-off, with writers expanding on existing stories and creating new scenarios.
Origin of 'spin-off'
Main points about word origin
- The term 'spin-off' originally comes from the business world, where it described companies created from larger corporations, expanding into new markets.
- In the 1970s, 'spin-off' gained popularity in entertainment as shows expanded from existing ones, creating new narratives and characters.
- The phrase relates to the idea of 'spinning off' or branching out from an established source.
The term 'spin-off' originated in the business world in the mid-20th century to describe the process of creating a new company through the divestiture of a subsidiary. Over time, the term expanded to other industries, including entertainment, where it refers to derivative works based on existing popular content. The concept of spin-offs continues to be prevalent in various sectors as a strategy for growth and innovation.