infodump

or in·fo dump

[ in-foh-duhmp ]

/ ˈɪn foʊˌdʌmp /

Slang.

noun

a large quantity of backstory, or background information, supplied at once, often as a narrative at the beginning of a story, film, etc.: The first eight pages are heavy with an infodump about Harry’s childhood in Iceland.

verb (used with object)

to provide a large quantity of (backstory) at once: I like when the background is fed to me gradually, rather than just infodumped.

to provide (a reader, viewer, etc.) with a large quantity of backstory at once:If you’re going to infodump us, at least make it interesting.

verb (used without object)

to provide a large quantity of backstory at once: In the rewrite, the author infodumps, which works well for this story.

QUIZZES

Fend Off Sciolism With This Word Of The Day Quiz

Are you the Cinderella of this week’s quiz? Test your memory on the words and definitions from March 23–29.

Question 1 of 7

schlep

to say or do hesitantly or awkwardly

to fold or wind around something

to carry; lug

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of infodump

First recorded in 1975–80; info + dump

Words nearby infodump

influenzal pneumonia, influenzavirus, influx, info, infobahn, infodump, infographic, infold, infolding, infomania, infomaniac