The spelling of "suicide note" can be explained using International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) transcription. The first syllable is pronounced as "soo-uh" with the stressed vowel being "oo." The second syllable is pronounced as "sighd," with the stressed vowel being "i." Finally, the third syllable is pronounced as "noht," with the stressed vowel being "o." The overall pronunciation is [ˈsuːə(saɪd noʊt)]. This phrase refers to a written message by someone contemplating or attempting to commit suicide.
A suicide note refers to a written or typed letter, message, or document left behind by an individual who has chosen to end their own life. It serves as a form of communication and expression, providing insights into the thoughts, emotions, and motivations that led to the decision to commit suicide. This letter is typically addressed to family members, friends, or the general public, and it can be discovered at the scene of the suicide, mailed, or even posted online. Suicide notes exist as a way for the individual to leave behind a final message, attempting to explain their state of mind, clarify their reasons for this irreversible act, and express their final wishes.
Although the contents of suicide notes can vary widely, common elements often include expressions of despair, sadness, hopelessness, remorse, or feelings of being a burden to others. They may also contain apologies, requests for forgiveness, statements of self-blame, or explanations of circumstances that led to the decision. Suicide notes can be detailed and introspective, or they may provide minimal information, leaving loved ones with unanswered questions. In some instances, individuals may take the opportunity to express gratitude, share reflections on life, or plead for changes in societal issues they believe contributed to their distress.
It is important to note that suicide notes are deeply personal and often depict the internal struggles of the individual who wrote them. These documents should always be treated with sensitivity and empathy, as they shed light on the complex emotional state that led someone to take their own life.
The term "suicide note" consists of two words: "suicide" and "note". Here is the etymology of each word:
1. Suicide:
The word "suicide" originated from the Latin term "suicidium", which was formed by combining "sui" (self) and "cidium" (killing). In Latin, "suicidium" essentially meant "the killing of oneself". Over time, "suicide" became the widely used term in the English language to describe the act of intentionally causing one's own death.
2. Note:
The word "note" has its roots in Old English and Old French. In Old English, it was known as "notu", derived from the Old French word "note" meaning "written message" or "mark". It eventually developed into referring to a brief written record or communication.