Definition of cut out

The phrase "cut out" originally referred to a printed image that had been cut out of a magazine or newspaper and used for educational or decorative purposes. It was characterized by the precise shape and detail of its subject, as if it had been meticulously "cut out" by hand. The term's first recorded use in this sense can be traced back to the 1850s in British publications. It quickly gained popularity in the following decades as an increasingly literate and middle-class population discovered the potential for homemade art and learning materials. Later, in the late 19th century, "cut out" began to take on a new meaning in the context of theatre and stage production. In this context, "cutting out" referred to the process of removing sections of a scene or production in order to streamline it, eliminate unwanted elements, or improve pacing. This usage of the term has persisted in several fields besides theatre, particularly in film and television production, where it is often used to describe the editing process. When a director or editor "cuts out" a particular segment or shot, they are removing it from the final product in order to create a more effective overall sequence or presentation. Overall, the origins of "cut out" as an expression for precise and intentional removing or eliminating have spawned multiple meanings of the phrase over time, all of which highlight the creativity and intentionality that goes into successful production.