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Whodunit Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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whodunit

[huːˈdʌnɪt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

mystery

A whodunit is a mystery story or play in which the identity of the perpetrator is unknown until the very end.

Synonyms

crime novel, detective story, mystery.

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Word Description / Examples
whodunit

A 'whodunit' is commonly used to describe a story or film where the main plot revolves around figuring out who committed a crime, typically a murder. This term often implies a puzzle-like structure where clues are presented to the audience or reader.

  • Agatha Christie's novels are classic whodunits that keep readers guessing until the last page.
  • The new film is a clever whodunit that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
mystery

'Mystery' is a broad term that can refer to any story involving a suspenseful puzzling event or situation that needs to be resolved. It may not necessarily focus on crime but generally involves some unknown element that captures the audience's interest.

  • The novel isn't just a thriller; it's a mystery that keeps you guessing the entire time.
  • It was a gripping mystery about a missing artifact and the secrets it held.
detective story

A 'detective story' focuses on the detective character solving a crime or series of crimes. The term usually implies a more traditional storyline featuring a private investigator or police detective working through clues to solve the case.

  • Sherlock Holmes is the archetype of the detective story, with his logical approach to solving mysteries.
  • The detective story showcased a brilliant investigator unraveling a complex conspiracy.
crime novel

'Crime novel' is a broader category that encompasses any fictional work focused on crime, including murder, heists, or organized crime. Unlike a whodunit, a crime novel might not focus solely on the mystery of who committed the crime but could explore the criminal's perspective, the legal process, or the impact on the victims.

  • James Patterson is famous for his compelling crime novels that explore various facets of human behavior.
  • The crime novel tackled themes of corruption and justice in a gripping narrative.

Examples of usage

  • The classic whodunit novels by Agatha Christie keep readers guessing until the final chapter.
  • In a good whodunit, the clues are cleverly scattered throughout the plot to keep the audience engaged.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • Agatha Christie is one of the most famous authors of whodunits, with classics like 'Murder on the Orient Express' featuring intricate plots.
  • The structure of a typical whodunit includes a crime, multiple suspects, and a detective who pieces together clues to unveil the truth.
  • The genre encourages readers to engage actively, trying to solve the mystery before the characters do.

Pop Culture

  • Whodunits often inspire films and TV shows, creating a blend of suspense and intellectual challenge, like in 'Knives Out.'
  • The concept has evolved into interactive formats, including murder mystery dinner parties where guests play roles to solve the crime.
  • Board games like 'Clue' embody the whodunit spirit, allowing players to deduce who the murderer is through deduction and strategy.

Psychology

  • Engaging with whodunits taps into our natural curiosity and problem-solving instincts, serving as an intellectual exercise.
  • Studies suggest that solving mysteries can enhance critical thinking and inferential reasoning skills.
  • The thrill of a whodunit can evoke a range of emotions, from suspense to satisfaction once the mystery is unveiled.

History

  • The first detective fiction is believed to be Edgar Allan Poe's 'The Murders in the Rue Morgue,' laying foundations for future whodunits.
  • In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the genre rose to prominence alongside the popularity of detective characters like Sherlock Holmes.
  • The whodunit style often reflects societal concerns about crime and justice prevalent in the era it was written.

Origin of 'whodunit'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'whodunit' is a portmanteau of 'who' and 'done it,' combining the question of identity with a sense of action.
  • It first appeared in print around the early 20th century, gaining popularity through mystery novels and plays.
  • The spelling 'whodunnit' is also commonly used and is considered a variant of the original term.

The term 'whodunit' originated in the early 20th century as a colloquial abbreviation of 'who done it?' It became popular in the context of mystery fiction, particularly detective stories where the central question is the identity of the perpetrator. Whodunits have been a beloved genre in literature and entertainment, offering intrigue and suspense to audiences.

See also: who, whoever, whose.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #37,918, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.