Definition

Proper noun A fictional private detective character created by American author Raymond Chandler. He is characterized as a tough, cynical, and world-weary yet honorable investigator operating in Los Angeles. He is one of the seminal "hard-boiled" detective heroes in American crime fiction.

Usage

The name "Philip Marlowe" is used to refer specifically to this iconic literary character. - The novel 'The Big Sleep' features the detective Philip Marlowe. - Many film adaptations have been made starring Philip Marlowe, such as 'The Long Goodbye'. - Raymond Chandler's Philip Marlowe is a defining figure in the noir genre.

Advanced Usage

• As an archetype: The name can be used to represent the archetype of the hard-boiled detective.
  • He played the part with all the wit and weariness of a modern Philip Marlowe.
• In comparative analysis: Used in literary criticism to discuss the evolution of detective fiction.
  • The essay contrasts the methods of Sherlock Holmes with those of Philip Marlowe.

Variants and Related Words

• Marlowe: A common shortened reference to the character.
  • Marlowe's narration provides the novel's cynical tone.
• Hard-boiled detective: The subgenre and character type Marlowe exemplifies.

Synonyms

• Private eye
• Gumshoe (slang)
• Shamus (slang)
• Note: These are synonyms for the of character, not for the proper name "Philip Marlowe" itself.

Idioms and Phrases

• A Philip Marlowe type: Describing a person or character with traits similar to the fictional detective.
  • The protagonist of the new film is a real Philip Marlowe type—jaded but principled.

Noun

1. tough cynical detective (one of the early detective heroes in American fiction) created by Raymond Chandler