Talkies

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A term used to describe films that feature synchronized sound and dialogue, allowing audiences to hear the actors speak
2. Referring to motion pictures produced after the silent film era, characterized by the incorporation of audible voices and sound effects
3. Describing cinematic works that include spoken words and music, marking a significant transition in film history from silent to sound films

Etymology: "Talkies" is the plural of "talkie," a clipping of "talking picture." The "-ie" ending is the same informal suffix found in "movie," which is why the two words sit so comfortably side by side. The clipping works the same way as "movie" from "moving picture," shortening a phrase into a casual, friendly label. The plural form simply refers to the films themselves, the whole category of pictures with recorded sound. Before the arrival of synchronized dialogue, films were silent, so the new kind of picture needed a name that set it apart from the older ones. "Talking picture" supplied the descriptive phrase, and the shorter "talkie" became the everyday word audiences and the trade press reached for.

Synonyms: talking pictures, sound films