The word "shootemup" is a colloquial expression for a type of video game where the player must shoot and eliminate enemies. Its spelling is a combination of two words: "shoot" and "them" that are blended into one. The pronunciation of this word can be transcribed as /ʃuːtəmʌp/. The IPA phonetic transcription uses symbols to represent each sound in the word. The symbol /ʃ/ stands for the "sh" sound, /uː/ represents the long "oo" sound, and /mʌp/ stands for the sound of the word "mup".
"Shoot 'em up" is a colloquial term primarily used to describe a genre of video games, often characterized by fast-paced action sequences involving intense shooting and combat. It can also refer to a specific subgenre of action films that prominently feature large-scale gunfights, showcasing thrilling and frenetic shootouts.
In the context of video games, a shoot 'em up typically involves controlling a player character, often a spacecraft or a military vehicle, through a scrolling level filled with hordes of enemies. The main objective is to shoot down or defeat as many enemies as possible while avoiding their attacks and obstacles. Shoot 'em up games may include a variety of power-ups, collectibles, and boss battles, increasing the level of challenge and excitement.
As for films, a shoot 'em up features a narrative centered around violent confrontations, where characters engage in high-action gun battles and firefights. These films often include themes of crime, revenge, or espionage, and they prioritize visual spectacle and adrenaline-pumping action sequences over complex storytelling. Shoot 'em up films tend to rely heavily on fast-paced editing, ostentatious gunplay, and explosive visual effects to create a sense of excitement.
Overall, "shoot 'em up" denotes an entertainment genre characterized by intense shooting action, whether in the realm of video games or films, appealing to fans who seek adrenaline-inducing experiences.
The term "shoot'em up" originated in the United States in the early 20th century. It is a compound word that combines the verb "shoot" with the phrasal particle "'em up", which denotes intensification, completion, or non-specificity. "Shoot" derives from the Old English word sċēotan, which means "to hit or kill with a missile discharged from a weapon". In this context, "shoot" refers to firing a gun or similar weapon.
The addition of "'em up" is a colloquial and idiomatic way of emphasizing the act of shooting. It has been used in phrases such as "clean 'em up", "fix 'em up", or "darken 'em up", among others.