How Do You Spell WHODUNITS?

Pronunciation: [hˈuːdjuːnˌɪts] (IPA)

Whodunits is a slang word that is spelled using the combination of "who", "dun", and "it". It is commonly used in the context of a mystery or suspense story where the identity of the perpetrator is unknown. The word can be transcribed using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as [hu:dʌnɪts]. The "h" at the beginning is silent, followed by the "u" sound in "who". The "dun" is pronounced like "done", and "its" is pronounced as "its".

WHODUNITS Meaning and Definition

1. "Whodunits" is a term commonly used to refer to a specific genre of mystery fiction literature, films, plays, or television shows. The word is derived from the phrase "who done it?" which is often asked when trying to solve a crime or mystery. A "whodunit" usually revolves around a puzzle-like plot centered on a murder or any other crime that requires unraveling to determine the culprit. The primary aim of a "whodunit" is to engage the audience or reader in a challenging and suspenseful experience by presenting them with a mystery that prompts them to actively participate in the investigation and attempt to identify the guilty party.

   In these narratives, the author or creator intentionally conceals or presents misleading information, strategic plot twists, and a range of characters with potential motives, thus providing the readers or viewers with limited clues to solve the mystery. Often, the protagonist, typically a detective or an amateur sleuth, unravels the case by employing logic, reasoning, and deduction. The resolution of a "whodunit" frequently occurs towards the end of the story, revealing the identity of the culprit and explaining the intricate details of the crime. However, there may be instances where the true perpetrator's identity remains hidden until the very end, shocking the audience with an unexpected twist.

   "Whodunits" are highly popular due to the intellectual challenge they offer in solving the mystery alongside the detective or investigator. They require careful attention to detail, critical thinking, and often involve an intricate web of clues and red herrings. By presenting an engaging puzzle and enticing the audience to play detective, "whodunits" offer a thrilling and interactive experience that has become a staple in the world of mystery and crime fiction.

Etymology of WHODUNITS

The word "whodunit" is a noun that refers to a mystery story or a suspenseful crime fiction where the identity of the perpetrator is unknown and the reader or viewer is invited to solve the mystery. The term is believed to have originated in the early 20th century.

The etymology of "whodunit" is fairly straightforward and can be understood by breaking down the word. It is a blend of the phrase "who done it?" where "who" refers to the person responsible for a crime and "done it" is a colloquial expression meaning "committed the act". The phrase "who done it?" was used as early as the 1920s, and gradually, it evolved into "whodunit" to represent the genre of mystery and crime fiction stories. It is a playful and abbreviated form that is commonly used in popular culture to describe such stories.

Similar spelling word for WHODUNITS

• whodunit.