How Do You Spell SAM SPADE?

Pronunciation: [sˈam spˈe͡ɪd] (IPA)

The spelling of "Sam Spade" is dictated by the English phonetic system. In IPA phonetic transcription, this name would be spelled /sæm speɪd/, with the "a" sound in "Sam" represented by the symbol /æ/, the "e" sound in "Spade" represented by /eɪ/, and the remaining letters pronounced according to their standard English sounds. The name "Sam Spade" became famous as the protagonist of Dashiell Hammett's hardboiled detective novel, The Maltese Falcon.

Meaning and Definition
Etymology
Basic Check Advanced Check

SAM SPADE Meaning and Definition

  1. Sam Spade is a fictional character originating from the hard-boiled detective novel, "The Maltese Falcon," written by Dashiell Hammett in 1930. He is a private detective who became an archetype for the classic, tough, and cynical detective archetype often found in noir fiction and film. The name "Sam Spade" has since become synonymous with this type of character.

    Sam Spade is portrayed as a quick-witted, fearless, and morally ambiguous investigator who operates in the seedy underbelly of society. He possesses a sharp intellect and exemplary deductive skills, allowing him to navigate complex mysteries and uncover hidden truths. Although he is observant and perceptive, his tough exterior often conceals a softer side, driven by a personal code of honor and justice.

    Spade's appearance is often described as a tall, lean man with a gaunt face and a calm, aloof demeanor. He is often dressed in a tailored suit with a trench coat and a fedora hat, which became iconic symbols of the hard-boiled detective archetype.

    Sam Spade embodies the quintessential noir detective, often finding himself entangled in dangerous situations, confronting corrupt figures, and navigating treacherous relationships. He serves as a symbol of the morally complex world he operates in, capturing the essence of gritty crime fiction and captivating readers and audiences alike with his enigmatic personality and unwavering determination.

Etymology of SAM SPADE

The name "Sam Spade" is a fictional character created by Dashiell Hammett, who was an American author and pioneer of hard-boiled detective fiction. The etymology of the name itself can be traced back to the novel "The Maltese Falcon", published in 1930.

The character's name, Sam Spade, was derived from a combination of two sources. The first part, "Sam", is a common nickname for the name "Samuel". The surname, "Spade", is symbolic and represents the character's personality and demeanor. In the novel, Spade is described as a tough, no-nonsense private detective who possesses an unyielding and unemotional attitude, much like a spade, a type of shovel used for digging or cutting through hard materials.