Cujo is a fictional character from the eponymous novel by Stephen King. The spelling of the word "Cujo" can be explained through the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as /ˈkuːdʒoʊ/. The first syllable "cu" is pronounced like "koo" with a long u sound, followed by the sound "dʒo" which is similar to "jo" with a slight "d" sound before it. This phonetic transcription helps to understand the correct pronunciation and spelling of the word "Cujo".
Cujo is a fictional character primarily known from the novel carrying the same name, written by Stephen King and published in 1981. The book was later adapted into a film in 1983. The term "Cujo" has become synonymous with a savage or ferocious dog due to the portrayal of the character.
In the novel, Cujo is a Saint Bernard, a large breed of dog, that undergoes a terrifying transformation after contracting rabies from a bat bite. As a result, Cujo becomes a relentless and bloodthirsty killer, terrorizing the small town of Castle Rock. The story revolves around the harrowing events that unfold as Cujo hunts down and attacks unsuspecting victims, creating an atmosphere of horror and suspense.
Due to this iconic representation, "Cujo" has transcended its fictional roots and is often used to describe any dog, real or fictional, that exhibits aggressive and menacing behavior. The term is typically applied to describe a dog that is dangerous, uncontrollable, or vicious, instilling fear and apprehension in others.
Given its place in popular culture, "Cujo" has become a widely recognized shorthand for a menacing dog, serving as a symbol for the potential dangers associated with unpredictable or aggressive canine behavior.
The word "cujo" is primarily known as the title of a horror novel written by Stephen King and later adapted into a film. However, the term has no specific etymology as it was specifically created by King for his story. In the book, "Cujo" is the name of a rabid Saint Bernard dog that terrorizes a small town. Thus, "cujo" has become synonymous with a dangerous or aggressive canine.