Entity: 42
42 is a mysterious and significant number with various meanings in different contexts, including being the answer to the 'ultimate question of life, the universe, and everything' in Douglas Adams' novel 'The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy.' It is also associated with death in Japanese culture.
42
Etymology
The term '42' has its origins in Douglas Adams' novel 'The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy,' where it is famously known as the answer to the 'ultimate question of life, the universe, and everything.'
Definition
42 is a mysterious and significant number with various symbolic meanings in different cultural and literary contexts. It is often used to represent something unknown, unexplainable, or profound.
Historical Context
In Japanese culture, the number 42 is associated with death, as the pronunciation of '42' sounds similar to 'shi ni,' which means 'to die.' This connection has led to the number 42 being considered unlucky in some contexts.
Cultural Significance
The significance of 42 as the answer to the ultimate question of life, the universe, and everything has made it a popular reference in popular culture, literature, and internet slang. It is often used to denote something profound, mysterious, or unknowable.
Related Concepts
- The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: The novel by Douglas Adams where 42 is revealed as the answer to the ultimate question.
- Death in Japanese Culture: The association of the number 42 with death in Japanese superstition.
See Also
A significant and enigmatic number with various symbolic meanings in different cultural and literary contexts.