The term threequel is a modern, playful noun used primarily in the film and literary industries. It denotes the third installment in a series, such as the third film in a franchise or the third book in a series. Below, we break down its meaning, origin, usage, pronunciation, and related terms.

Meaning & Use

Definition:
A threequel refers to the third entry in a sequence of works. It is essentially the second sequel to an original piece. For example, if a film series begins with an original movie, is followed by a sequel, and then a third film, that film is the threequel.

Usage:

• In Film: “The studio announced that the threequel will hit theaters next summer.”
• In Literature: “Fans eagerly awaited the threequel of the bestselling fantasy series.”

Context:
The term is especially common in entertainment reviews and casual discussions about media franchises, often with a humorous or critical tone when the quality of the third installment is in question.

Etymology & Origin

Etymology:

• The word threequel is a blend, or portmanteau, combining “three” and “sequel.”
• It emerged around 1983 as a way to describe the burgeoning trend of third films in popular franchises.

Origin:

• Historical Usage:
  The term began appearing in film critiques and casual conversations during the early 1980s. Its usage reflects a cultural awareness of film sequels, particularly as series started to extend beyond just one follow-up.
• Cultural Impact:
  With franchises expanding over multiple installments, threequel became a shorthand descriptor that encapsulated both excitement and skepticism regarding a series’ third offering.

Pronunciation

Phonetic Pronunciation:

• threequel is pronounced as /θriːˈkwɛl/ (THREE-kwel).

Rhyming Guide:

• It shares a similar ending with the word “sequel” (/ˈsiːkwəl/), which can help in remembering its pronunciation.
• While not a perfect rhyme with many common words, you can think of it in connection with “sequel” to ensure you’re saying the “-quel” part correctly.

Frequency & Quotations

Frequency:

• The term has been widely used since its inception in the 1980s and continues to appear in media discussions, particularly when referring to film franchises. Although it is primarily colloquial, its usage is prevalent enough in entertainment circles to be instantly understood by fans and critics alike.

Quotations:

• 1983: “Jaws 3-D smelled up the movie theater like the warmed over ‘threequel’ that it is.”
• 1987: “Filming on the ‘threequel’ [sc. the film Rambo III] is taking place despite 110-degree temps.”
• 1993: “Don’t expect kids to obey Robocop’s law now that the threequel has fizzled at the box office.”

These examples illustrate the term’s usage in real-world contexts, often reflecting a mix of anticipation and critique.

Synonyms & Related Terms

Synonyms:

• Third installment
• Third film
• Second sequel

Related Terms:

• Sequel: The second entry in a series.
• Prequel: A work that precedes the original story.

Why It Works

Memorability:

• threequel is catchy and immediately conveys its meaning by merging familiar words.

Humor & Critique:

• The term often carries an implicit critique of franchise fatigue, as many audiences are wary of third installments that may fail to live up to the originals.

Cultural Relevance:

• With the continuous growth of long-running franchises in film, television, and literature, threequel has become a useful, culturally resonant term.

Conclusion

threequel is a modern noun that encapsulates the concept of a third installment in any series, blending the ideas of “three” and “sequel” into one memorable word. With its origins dating back to the early 1980s, it remains a staple in entertainment discourse, offering both a descriptive and often humorous take on franchise progression. Whether you’re discussing a movie, a book series, or any sequential work, understanding and using threequel correctly can enhance your conversations about pop culture and media.