endingsis

Endingsis is a coined term used in limited online and fan communities to discuss the treatment and interpretation of endings in narrative works. It is not recognized as a formal concept in major dictionaries or established academic literature, and its precise meaning varies between contexts.

In discourse where it appears, endingsis can denote a lens or framework for analyzing how conclusions are constructed, delivered, and received by audiences. Proponents may use the term to group together discussions of closure, resolution, thematic finality, tonal shift at the end, and the emotional or intellectual effects produced by endings. Critics argue that because the term lacks standard definition, its usage can be idiosyncratic and potentially confusing.

Origins of the term are unclear; it seems to be a neologism formed in informal settings rather than a product of formal linguistic work. It might be encountered in blog posts, forum threads, social media discussions, or in discussions among creators who experiment with narrative endings in literature, film, games, or fan fiction.

Because of its informal status, there is no canonical set of guidelines or examples associated with endingsis, though some users point to notable endings in various media as reference points for the discussion.

See also: Endings in narrative, Closure (psychology), Narrative theory, Finale in music, Plot structure.