- This term refers to a relatively new genre of film and is mainly developed by a small group of directors. It appears to be a variation of a common way of describing an aesthetic, with a main characteristic + -core. The “mumble” section of this word, which originates from the Middle English word “mum,” meaning quiet, could refer to the actual volume of dialogue between characters (which is typically quite low) or the low-scale, underground nature of the genre.
mumblecore
noun; compounding
Genre of independent films that emphasizes dialogue and relationships between characters. “Mumble” from the characteristic subtle and natural dialogue found in the genre, “-core” suffix meaning defining part of an aesthetic (eg. cottagecore, gothcore).
Etymology : Compound of “mumble” (derivation of “mum” from Middle English) and “core” (Middle English)
Source : Wikipedia article on American filmmaker Greta Gerwig, “She first garnered attention after working on and appearing in several mumblecore films” (September 2020). Source for definition: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mumblecore, accessed 11/13/2020.
Last modified: 17 November 2020