The spelling of the phrase "wholesale murders" may seem confusing to some, as the silent 's' in "wholesale" can throw off the pronunciation. The correct phonetic transcription of the phrase would be /ˈhoʊlseɪl ˈmɜrdərz/, with the stress on the first syllable of "wholesale" and the second syllable of "murders." The word "wholesale" comes from the Old English "hōl," meaning "whole, entire," while "murders" derives from the Old French "murdre," both making for a gruesome phrase that refers to multiple murders committed at once.
"Wholesale murders" refers to a term that describes the act of multiple homicides being committed on a large scale or in a systematic manner. This phrase emphasizes the extensive and indiscriminate nature of the killings, suggesting that a significant number of individuals or groups are being targeted for assassination or are victims of mass murder.
The word "wholesale" is commonly associated with trade or commerce, where it refers to the purchase or sale of goods in large quantities, typically at a discounted or bulk rate. When applied to murders, "wholesale" signifies a similar concept, wherein multiple killings occur simultaneously or over a short period of time. This term implies an element of premeditation and organization, suggesting that these murders are not isolated incidents but rather part of a deliberate and coordinated effort.
Historically, the concept of wholesale murders has been used to describe instances of genocide, ethnic cleansing, or large-scale violent conflicts where numerous lives are systematically taken. It is often utilized to capture the concept of mass murder that extends beyond individual crimes of passion or isolated acts of violence. The magnitude and tragic consequences of wholesale murders highlight the threat that such actions pose to societies, as they inflict immense pain, destruction, and loss to communities affected by these heinous crimes.
The phrase "wholesale murders" is not a word in itself, but rather a combination of two separate words: "wholesale" and "murders". Here is a breakdown of their etymologies:
1. Wholesale: This term originated from Middle English "holesale", derived from the Old English word "hūl" (meaning "whole") and "sale" (meaning "a selling"). It referred to selling goods in large quantities or entire bulk units. The term primarily came into use during the 14th century.
2. Murders: The word "murder" originated from the Old English "morþor" and had Germanic roots. It referred to the intentional and unlawful killing of another person. The term dates back to Old English and has been a part of the English language for centuries.
When combined, the phrase "wholesale murders" would generally imply large-scale or widespread acts of murder.