bulwer-lytton: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowLiterary/Humorous
Quick answer
What does “bulwer-lytton” mean?
Of, relating to, or characteristic of the writing style of Edward Bulwer-Lytton (1803-1873), a Victorian novelist known for elaborate, melodramatic, and famously florid prose.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Of, relating to, or characteristic of the writing style of Edward Bulwer-Lytton (1803-1873), a Victorian novelist known for elaborate, melodramatic, and famously florid prose.
Used to describe any prose or writing that is excessively ornate, convoluted, melodramatic, or characterized by awkward phrasing and clichéd descriptions, particularly in an opening sentence.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in usage. Both regions use the term primarily in literary and humorous contexts.
Connotations
Strongly pejorative; implies poor, overwrought, or laughably pompous writing.
Frequency
Equally rare in both dialects.
Grammar
How to Use “bulwer-lytton” in a Sentence
Adjectival: His writing was Bulwer-Lytton in its excessive detail.Possessive/Genitive: The Bulwer-Lytton of modern political speeches.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bulwer-lytton” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He managed to Bulwer-Lytton his way through the entire introduction.
- Don't Bulwer-Lytton the report; keep it clear and concise.
American English
- She totally Bulwer-Lyttoned that opening paragraph.
- The speechwriter was accused of Bulwer-Lyttoning the tribute.
adverb
British English
- The tale was written Bulwer-Lyttonly.
- He described the scene Bulwer-Lyttonishly.
American English
- She wrote Bulwer-Lytton-ly, with many a tangled clause.
- The manifesto opened Bulwer-Lyttonishly.
adjective
British English
- The novel's prologue was distinctly Bulwer-Lytton.
- He has a regrettably Bulwer-Lytton turn of phrase.
American English
- That's the most Bulwer-Lytton sentence I've ever read.
- His email was pure Bulwer-Lytton nonsense.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in literary criticism and creative writing courses to discuss style.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
Used humorously in writing workshops or contests.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bulwer-lytton”
- Capitalisation: Must be hyphenated and capitalised (Bulwer-Lytton).
- Spelling: Often misspelled as 'Bulwer-Litton' or 'Bulwar-Lytton.'
- Using it as a general insult for bad writing without the specific connotation of Victorian-style floridity.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is found in some unabridged dictionaries and specialised references like the 'Oxford Dictionary of Literary Terms,' though it is a very low-frequency entry.
In informal, humorous, or metalinguistic contexts, yes. It means 'to write in an overly ornate, melodramatic style.' However, this usage is non-standard and creative.
That famous line is the opening of Edward Bulwer-Lytton's 1830 novel 'Paul Clifford.' It has become proverbial for a clichéd, melodramatic story beginning, hence the association.
In a serious literary critique, it is a strong pejorative. However, in the context of the humorous fiction contest, it is used affectionately to celebrate the 'art' of deliberately bad writing.
Of, relating to, or characteristic of the writing style of Edward Bulwer-Lytton (1803-1873), a Victorian novelist known for elaborate, melodramatic, and famously florid prose.
Bulwer-lytton is usually literary/humorous in register.
Bulwer-lytton: in British English it is pronounced /ˌbʊlwə ˈlɪtən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌbʊlwɚ ˈlɪtən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “It was a dark and stormy night... (the famous opening line from Bulwer-Lytton's novel 'Paul Clifford' that has become synonymous with clichéd beginnings).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'Bulwer-Lytton wrote long, windy sentences; the name itself is long and hyphenated, just like his prose.'
Conceptual Metaphor
BAD WRITING IS EXCESSIVE ORNAMENTATION (A Bulwer-Lytton sentence is like a room crammed with too much gaudy furniture).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary context for using the term 'Bulwer-Lytton' today?