- A particular way or method of doing something, especially one that is characteristic or habitual. Often used for patterns in crime, but also applies to any repeated behaviour or strategy.
- Frequently abbreviated as M.O.
Explanation
Origin
- Latin, meaning mode (or manner) of operating.
- Popularized in criminology and detective work to describe a criminal's consistent techniques (e.g., method of entry, tools used, type of victim).
- The abbreviation M.O. became common due to police reports and media portrayals.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- That's their move. / That's how they roll.
- Their usual trick/play.
- Their standard procedure. (Said informally)
- Their game plan.
- That's just their way.
Milder/Standard:
- Typical method/approach.
- Characteristic pattern/way.
- Usual procedure.
Situational Appropriateness
- Used in formal (police, legal, business analysis) and informal contexts.
- The abbreviation M.O. is very common, especially informally.
- Can sound slightly technical or analytical.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Learners might confuse M.O. (method) with motive (reason). Clarify M.O. is *how* someone does something habitually.
- Ensure they understand it applies beyond just crime.
Examples
- Breaking in through the back window was the burglar's modus operandi.
- The detective recognized the killer's M.O. immediately.
- Her M.O. for studying involves flashcards and practice tests.
- That company's M.O. is to acquire smaller competitors.
Dialogue
Detective 1: All three robberies involved disabling the power grid first. Same technique every time.
Detective 2: Consistent M.O. Suggests it's the same crew. Experienced, too.
Detective 1: Agreed. Let's pull files on groups with that specific modus operandi.
Social Media Examples
- Tweet: This politician's M.O. is clear: create a crisis, then claim to be the only one who can fix it. #Politics #Strategy
- Forum (Gaming): Watch out for player X, their M.O. is camping near the objective.
- Blog Post: Understanding a competitor's modus operandi is key to staying ahead.
Response Patterns
- Acknowledgment/Understanding: Ah, I see the pattern. / So that's their M.O.
- Confirmation: Yeah, they always do that.
- Analysis: Does that M.O. tell us anything else?
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
After identifying an M.O.:
- Can we predict their next move based on this M.O.?
- How does this M.O. differ from others?
- What does the M.O. suggest about the person/organization?
- In crime: Looking for suspects with the same M.O.
Conversation Starter
- No. Used to describe an observed pattern within a specific context.
Intonation
- Full phrase: Stress on mo- (MOH-dus) and -ran- (op-er-AN-dee).
- Abbreviation M.O.: Both letters are stressed (EM OH).
- Often spoken in a neutral, analytical, or sometimes knowing tone. That's his typical MODUS OPERANDI. / Classic M.O.
Generation Differences
- Widely understood, especially the abbreviation M.O., due to heavy use in crime dramas and news reporting.
Regional Variations
- Used across English-speaking regions.