Novelese is a rare word used to describe a writing style that is characteristic of or resembling that of a novel. The phonetic transcription of this word is /ˌnɒvəˈliːz/, with stress on the second syllable. It begins with the consonant cluster 'nv' which can be challenging to pronounce for non-native speakers. The 'e' at the end of the word is silent and the stress falls on the long 'ee' sound in the second syllable. The spelling of novelese is unique and should be written with precision in academic and literary contexts.
Novelese refers to a term used to describe a specific style of writing often found in novels that is characterized by overuse of clichés, flowery language, excessive emotionalism, and unrealistic dialogue. It can be seen as a form of writing that is contrived, exaggerated, and lacking in authenticity, aiming to create a sense of heightened drama or intrigue, but often resulting in a forced or artificial tone.
This term is commonly used to critique works of fiction that exhibit these characteristics, as novelese is seen as an artificial language that can detract from the overall quality of storytelling. Novelese can manifest itself through exaggerated descriptions or purple prose, where authors employ showy or overly elaborate language to convey their message. It frequently results in dialogue that is stilted or overly sentimental, lacking the natural flow and realism of genuine conversations.
The purpose of criticizing and identifying novelese is to recognize and avoid clichéd or trite expressions, as well as to promote writing that is more genuine, authentic, and accessible to readers. By steering clear of this mannered style, authors can strive for a more lucid, meaningful, and effective storytelling, enhancing the connection readers feel with the narrative and characters.
The word "novelese" is derived from the combination of two words: "novel" and "ese".
"Novel" comes from the Latin word "novellus" which means "new" or "fresh". It entered the English language in the 14th century and originally referred to a fictional narrative or story, typically written in prose. Over time, "novel" became a widely used term for a longer work of fiction.
"Ese" is a suffix used to form adjectives indicating a characteristic or quality related to a specific trait or manner. In this case, "ese" is added to "novel" to create "novelese" which refers to the particular style or language used in novels. It specifically denotes the exaggerated or artificial language often found in poorly written or overly dramatic fiction.