noun
macguffin
Macguffin (noun) means an object or goal in a story that drives the action but barely matters in itself.
noun
1
An object or goal in a story that drives the action but barely matters in itself.
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Etymology
Used by Alfred Hitchcock as an arbitrary Scottish surname. The name itself comes from Ulster, formed from Mc- (“son of”), Irish dubh (“black”), and Irish Fionn (literally “fairheaded”). See also Wikipedia's MacGuffin § History and use.
Synonyms
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McGuffin
Rhymes for macguffin
See all rhymes for macguffin →Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of macguffin?
"macguffin" (noun) means an object or goal in a story that drives the action but barely matters in itself.
What is another word for macguffin?
Other words for "macguffin" include McGuffin.