MacGuffin

Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary

Contents 1 English 1.1 Alternative spellings 1.2 Etymology 1.3 Pronunciation 1.4 Noun 1.4.1 Synonyms

[edit] English

Wikipedia

[edit] Alternative spellings

• McGuffin

[edit] Etymology

Used by Alfred Hitchcock.

[edit] Pronunciation

• (RP, US) IPA: /məˈgʌf.ɪn/
•  Audio (US)^{help, file}

[edit] Noun

MacGuffin (plural MacGuffins)

1. (narratology) A plot element or other device used to catch the audience's attention and maintain suspense, but whose exact nature has fairly little influence over the storyline.

[edit] Synonyms

• red herring