McGuffin

British  

/ məˈɡʌfɪn /

noun

1. an object or event in a book or a film that serves as the impetus for the plot

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Etymology

Origin of McGuffin

C20: coined (c. 1935) by Sir Alfred _Hitchcock

Example Sentences

Mr Hess, for his part, compared the department to a "McGuffin" - a plot device famously used by Alfred Hitchcock to develop a character's plot arc, while at the same time being largely irrelevant.

From BBC

“The belt’s kind of a McGuffin,” added Roth.

From Los Angeles Times

Nichols called for his mother and told officers he wished to go home, McGuffin said.

From Los Angeles Times

This is not to say these plot lines are McGuffins, though they nod toward that convention of the form.

From Los Angeles Times

In fact, the judge limited her ruling only to the possibility of a change in policy, according to Jennifer McGuffin, a spokeswoman for Romanucci’s firm.

From Seattle Times