grub street
Proper noun 1. The world of literary hacks; the realm of impoverished writers producing low-quality, often sensational, work for money: Refers collectively to writers engaged in hackwork—writing done quickly for financial gain, with little regard for quality or artistic merit. Historically, it denotes the condition and output of needy, obscure authors.
- The term is used to describe the commercial, often disreputable, sector of the literary world.
- It often carries a derogatory or dismissive connotation, implying a lack of artistic integrity.
- It can function as a collective noun for the writers themselves or the type of writing they produce.
- After his novel was rejected by every reputable publisher, he feared he was doomed to Grub Street.
- The biography was dismissed by critics as mere Grub Street sensationalism.
- In the 18th century, many aspiring authors found themselves living in Grub Street poverty.
- As an adjective (Grub Street): Used attributively to describe writing, authors, or practices characteristic of this world.
- He made a living through Grub Street journalism, churning out articles for tabloids.
- As a collective noun: Refers to the community or class of such writers.
- The scandal was eagerly chronicled by Grub Street.
- Hack (n.): A writer who produces dull, unoriginal work, especially on demand for money.
- Hackwork (n.): Literary or artistic work done for hire, typically of poor quality.
- Penny-a-liner (n., historical): A journalist paid by the line of text written.
- Hack writing
- Literary hackwork
- The literary underworld
- Pulp writing (in a modern context)
The term originates from the name of a street (now Milton Street) in London where many impoverished writers and hack journalists lived in the 17th and 18th centuries. Its meaning has evolved from a specific location to a metaphor for the entire sphere of mercenary, low-status literary production. It emphasizes the financial desperation and perceived low quality associated with such work.
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the world of literary hacks
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