The spelling of the term "animated cartoon" is quite straightforward. "Animated" is spelled as /ˈænəmeɪtɪd/ in IPA phonetic transcription, with the stress on the second syllable. Meanwhile, "cartoon" is spelled as /kɑrˈtuːn/ in IPA, with the primary stress on the second syllable as well. The term refers to a visual art form that involves the creation of images that appear to move or change through different frames. Animated cartoons are displayed on television, movie screens, and online platforms and are enjoyed by people of all ages.
An animated cartoon refers to a form of visual entertainment that typically involves a series of illustrated drawings or computer-generated images that are displayed rapidly in succession to create the illusion of movement. This genre of animation is distinct from other forms such as stop motion or CGI (computer-generated imagery) as it predominantly employs hand-drawn or digitally-drawn images.
Animated cartoons have been widely popularized on various media platforms, including television, film, and the internet. They often serve as a means of storytelling, conveying narratives and themes through animated characters, scenery, and objects. The drawings or images that make up the cartoon are meticulously crafted, either through traditional hand-drawn techniques or computer software that allows for precise manipulation of the images.
The term "animated" refers to the motion and life bestowed upon the drawings or images, as they are made to move, interact, and convey emotions. The "cartoon" aspect emphasizes the illustrative style and the exaggerated or caricatured depiction of characters and surroundings, often lending a sense of humor or playfulness to the animation.
Animated cartoons are not restricted to any particular subject matter, style, or target demographic, although they are often associated with lightheartedness and children's programming. However, animated cartoons cater to audiences of all ages, and can delve into various genres such as comedy, fantasy, adventure, romance, science fiction, and more, expanding the possibilities of storytelling and visual expression.
The word "animated" comes from the Latin word "animatus", which is the past participle of "animare", meaning "to give life to". It is derived from the Latin word "anima", which refers to the soul or life force. The term "cartoon" has a different origin, stemming from the French word "carton", meaning a large paper sheet, which was often used for making sketches or drawings. Over time, "cartoon" came to refer to humorous or satirical illustrations and eventually came to include animated drawings. Therefore, the etymology of the term "animated cartoon" combines the concept of giving life to images (animated) with the format of a sketch or drawing (cartoon).