What are someone's 'last words' called?
What are someone's last words, spoken on their deathbed, called? What about those that are perhaps left written or scribed on paper?
Last words is a fairly common term. There are numerous instances in movies where the antagonist asks the protagonist
"Any last words before I kill you?"
(.. Usually, the hero will make a pun and eventually manage to escape!)
You can also call it a person's
- final words
- dying words
- ultimate words
(Note: The following is only applicable if the person commits suicide).
If it is in written form, it could probably be their death note or suicide note.
I am not sure if there exists an established term for the final written words of a person that died a natural death.
You could call it their swansong (or swan song) if their final words were part of a notable performance or activity.