Pronunciation: [pˈʌlps] (IPA) 
The word "pulps" refers to the soft, fleshy part of fruits or vegetables. It is spelled as /pʌlps/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable "p" is pronounced as /p/, while the second syllable "ulps" is pronounced as /ʌlps/. The letter "u" in the second syllable is pronounced as a short vowel sound, similar to the sound in the word "but". The letter "p" is pronounced with an aspirated puff of air before the sound.
Pulps refer to a type of mass-produced, low-cost periodical publications that gained popularity from the late 19th to the mid-20th century. These publications were typically printed on cheap, low-quality paper made from wood pulp, hence the name "pulps." Primarily targeted towards working-class readers, pulps covered a wide range of genres such as adventure, romance, mystery, science fiction, horror, and Westerns.
Often characterized by sensational and thrilling storytelling, the narratives in pulps were fast-paced and full of action, providing readers with a quick and entertaining escape from reality. The illustrations accompanying these stories were typically colorful and eye-catching, further adding to their appeal. Pulps were known for their striking and provocative cover art, which often featured lurid scenes or attractive women in distress, aiming to attract potential consumers.
The most popular and enduring genres within the pulps included detective mystery series, superhero stories, and science fiction adventures. Famous characters like The Shadow, Conan the Barbarian, and Doc Savage originated in pulps. Despite their inferior production quality, pulps played a significant role in shaping popular culture, influencing subsequent literary, film, and comic book genres.
The pulp era eventually waned in the 1950s with the rise of television and increasing popularity of paperback books. However, their impact on popular entertainment remains evident, and many pulp characters and stories have persisted, evolving and enduring in various media forms.
The word "pulps" has a fascinating etymology. It comes from the Late Latin word "pulpōsus", meaning "full of juice or pulp", which originates from the Latin word "pulpa", meaning "the fleshy part of fruit". In the early 20th century, the term "pulps" gained popularity as a reference to the cheaply produced magazines and books that were typically printed on low-quality paper made from wood pulp. These publications often featured sensational, thrilling, or action-packed stories, hence the association with the term "pulps". The name stuck, and today, "pulps" are still used to describe a specific genre of fiction characterized by fast-paced, adventurous storytelling.
