Pronunciation: [wˈa͡ɪdjuːnˌɪt] (IPA) 
"Whydunit" is a coined term that is used to describe a mystery story that focuses on the motive of the crime. Unlike a "whodunit" story which focuses on identifying the culprit, a "whydunit" story delves into the character's reasons for committing the crime. The word is spelled with a "y" instead of a "w" because it has been adapted from "why" and "dunit." The IPA transcription for "whydunit" is /waɪdʌnɪt/.
A "whydunit" is a term used primarily in the context of literature and mystery fiction, referring to a narrative or story that focuses on unraveling the motivations and psychological reasons behind a crime or a series of events. Similar to a "whodunit," which concentrates on discovering the identity of the perpetrator, a whydunit places emphasis on understanding the underlying motives, desires, and reasons that led to the crime or particular actions.
The term "whydunit" is a blend of "why" (which asks for explanations or reasons) and "dunit" (a slang version of "done it," alluding to a crime being committed). It delves into the psychological aspects of characters, exploring their intentions, emotions, and decisions. By doing so, a whydunit aims to provide a deeper understanding of the human psyche and the complexities of human behavior.
Unlike other genres that may focus on action and suspense, whydunits typically involve thought-provoking narratives that invite readers to reflect on the social and psychological underpinnings of crime and its consequences. The plot often involves unraveling the intricate layers of characters' lives, their relationships, past experiences, and personal struggles, all of which contribute to the reasons why they act the way they do.
Overall, a whydunit seeks to engage readers in a more intellectual and introspective manner, challenging them to question and analyze the underlying motives behind the actions of characters and, ultimately, the human condition.
The term "whydunit" is a play on the genre of "whodunit". While "whodunit" focuses on solving a mystery by finding out who committed a crime, "whydunit" focuses on the reasons and motivations behind the crime. The word "whydunit" is a blend of "why" and "dunit", with "dunit" being a contraction of "done it", referring to the act of committing a crime. It is a light-hearted alteration used to denote the genre of mystery stories that emphasize the question of why a crime was committed. The exact origin of the term is not clear, but it has gained usage within the literary and entertainment communities to differentiate between "whodunit" and "whydunit" stories.
