literary hack
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: A mediocre and disdained writer; a person who produces written work, often quickly and for money, that is considered to be of low quality, unoriginal, or lacking in artistic merit.
Usage
This term is used to describe a writer, often a journalist or author, who is viewed with contempt by critics or more esteemed literary circles for producing formulaic, uninspired, or commercially-driven work. It carries a strong negative connotation of hackneyed writing and a lack of genuine talent or intellectual depth.
Examples
- The famous novelist dismissed the popular tabloid columnist as nothing more than a literary hack.
- He was tired of being a literary hack, churning out cheap romance novels to pay the bills.
- Critics accused him of selling out and becoming a literary hack after his last few bestselling but shallow thrillers.
Advanced Usage
- The term is often used in literary criticism and academic discourse to draw a distinction between "serious" literature and commercial or pulp writing.
- It can imply that the writer is willing to compromise artistic integrity for financial gain or popularity.
Variants and Related Words
- Hack writer (n): A direct synonym, often used interchangeably.
- Hackwork (n): The low-quality, unoriginal writing produced by a hack.
- Grub Street writer (n): A historical term referring to impoverished journalists and writers living on Grub Street in London, often used synonymously with "hack."
Synonyms
- Hack
- Penny-a-liner (archaic)
- Scribbler (derogatory)
- Potholier
Antonyms
- Literary genius
- Master stylist
- Wordsmith (positive connotation)
- Literary artist
Noun
- a mediocre and disdained writer