GRUB STREET Meaning and
Definition
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Grub Street is a term that originated in 17th-century London, used to refer to a specific street named Grub Street, located in the poverty-stricken Moorfields district. However, over time, the term has taken on a broader and more metaphorical meaning related to the world of literary and journalistic pursuits.
In its original context, Grub Street was home to many struggling writers, poets, and journalists who were often impoverished and desperate for work. Due to the difficult circumstances and the low quality of literature produced in the area, Grub Street became synonymous with hack writing, shoddy journalism, and substandard literature that lacked both critical acclaim and monetary success.
Today, the term "grub street" signifies a derogatory way of referring to the realm of low-quality, sensationalist, or tasteless publications. It is often associated with the pursuit of writing solely for financial gain or compromising artistic integrity by catering to popular demands and trends. Grub Street embodies a derisive label for authors who churn out works lacking depth, originality, or literary merit.
The name "Grub Street" has become a symbol of the challenges faced by struggling writers and the commercial pressures that can hinder artistic expression. It serves to remind contemporary authors about the importance of maintaining artistic integrity, striving for excellence, and avoiding the pitfalls of commercialism and mass appeal at the expense of quality literature.
Common Misspellings for GRUB STREET
- frub street
- vrub street
- brub street
- hrub street
- yrub street
- trub street
- geub street
- gdub street
- gfub street
- gtub street
- g5ub street
- g4ub street
- gryb street
- grhb street
- grjb street
- grib street
- gr8b street
- gr7b street
- gruv street
Etymology of GRUB STREET
The term "grub street" originated from the name of a street called Grub Street in London, which was known to be an impoverished area filled with struggling writers and aspiring authors in the 17th and 18th centuries. The etymology of the word "grub" in this context originates from the Middle English word "grubben", meaning "dig" or "burrow". It metaphorically refers to the act of working hard or laboring, highlighting the arduous and often menial tasks these writers had to undertake to make a living. Over time, "grub street" became synonymous with impoverished and hackneyed writers, or simply, the literary underworld.
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