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Grub Street for Dummies

noun

pronunciation: 'grəb_strit

What does Grub Street really mean?

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Hey, buddy! Let me break it down for you and make it super easy to understand what "Grub Street" means. Imagine a street full of literary dreams, where aspiring writers gather and work hard to make a living out of writing. Well, that's exactly what "Grub Street" refers to! It's a term that originated in the 17th century to describe a place in London where struggling writers and journalists lived and worked.

Now, I know you might be wondering, why "Grub Street"? Well, back in the day, these writers didn't have the glamorous writing careers that authors have now. They had to literally grub for their food and work incredibly hard just to earn a meager living. So, the metaphorical "Grub Street" became a symbol for those struggling writers who were desperately trying to make ends meet through their literary efforts.

But hey, it doesn't stop there! "Grub Street" has another meaning too. It's not just about the physical location, but also about the kind of writing that emerged from this place. The term evolved to represent a certain type of writing that was considered lowbrow or commercial in nature, lacking in artistic value. It focused more on catering to popular tastes rather than artistic expression. So, "Grub Street" also became a term used to describe this style of writing that didn't necessarily aim for the highest artistic standards.

Think about it like this - you know how there are different types of restaurants? Some have fancy, gourmet food that's all about the artistry and presentation. But then, there are also fast food joints that serve quick, straightforward meals that cater to a bigger audience. In the same way, "Grub Street" writing was like the fast-food version of literature - simple and accessible, but not necessarily seen as high quality or profound.

So, my friend, "Grub Street" is both a physical place where struggling writers gathered and a term used to describe a style of writing that focused more on popularity and making a living rather than artistic merit. It's a reminder of the challenges that writers faced in the past and the different approaches to writing that have existed throughout history.


Revised and Fact checked by Emily Davis on 2023-10-28 14:09:45

Grub Street In a sentece

Learn how to use Grub Street inside a sentece

  • Many aspiring writers in the past lived in poverty and struggled to make a living, so they called their community 'Grub Street'.
  • The coffee shop on the corner is a popular gathering place for local writers and poets, often referred to as a 'Grub Street' for creative minds.
  • In some cities, there are dedicated neighborhoods or districts where literary events and workshops take place regularly, and they are often referred to as 'Grub Streets'.
  • When I went to the bookstore, I noticed a section dedicated to books about writing and publishing called 'Grub Street' corner.
  • The local newspaper recently published an article about the struggles and joys of being a writer, titled 'Surviving on Grub Street'.

Grub Street Hypernyms

Words that are more generic than the original word.

Grub Street Has Members

Words that belong to the group defined by the original word.