pulp fiction: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowSpecialised (literary/film criticism), Casual
Quick answer
What does “pulp fiction” mean?
A type of popular, cheaply produced fiction published on low-grade paper (pulp), typically featuring sensational, formulaic, and escapist stories.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A type of popular, cheaply produced fiction published on low-grade paper (pulp), typically featuring sensational, formulaic, and escapist stories.
By extension, any modern creative work that deliberately emulates the sensational, fast-paced, and stylised characteristics of classic pulp magazines; famously used as the title of a 1994 film.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The original cultural phenomenon was primarily American. The term is understood in the UK but is less historically resonant.
Connotations
In the US, stronger connotations to a specific historical era (1930s-50s) of American publishing. In the UK, often understood via the film title or as a general descriptor for lurid genre fiction.
Frequency
More frequently used in American English, especially in cultural/literary discussions.
Grammar
How to Use “pulp fiction” in a Sentence
[Author] writes pulp fiction.This film is a homage to pulp fiction.It has the feel of pulp fiction.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “pulp fiction” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The author pulp-fictioned his way through fifty westerns.
- He's been pulp-fictioning for years.
American English
- She pulp-fictioned a series of sci-fi adventures.
adverb
British English
- The plot was pulp-fictionly outrageous.
American English
- The dialogue was written pulp-fictionly fast.
adjective
British English
- It had a pulp-fiction vibe.
- A pulp-fiction aesthetic.
American English
- The movie's pulp-fiction feel was deliberate.
- He writes in a pulp-fiction style.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possibly in publishing niche marketing.
Academic
Used in cultural studies, media studies, or literary history courses.
Everyday
Most commonly referenced due to the famous film title. May be used to describe something melodramatic or stylised.
Technical
Specific term in literary and film criticism.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “pulp fiction”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “pulp fiction”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “pulp fiction”
- Using 'pulp fiction' to refer to any violent film (only via association with the Tarantino movie).
- Writing it as a single word: 'pulpfiction'.
- Confusing it with 'pulp' (the soft fruit part).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. It is primarily a term for a type of cheap, sensational fiction from the early-mid 20th century. The Quentin Tarantino film uses the term as a title and references its style.
No, by definition it is fiction. The 'pulp' refers to the paper quality, not the content's factuality. Similar non-fiction might be called 'tabloid journalism'.
Detective/noir, science fiction, fantasy, horror, westerns, and adventure stories were very common in pulp magazines.
Historically, it implied low literary quality. Today, it can be neutral (descriptive) or positive when used to praise energetic, stylised storytelling.
A type of popular, cheaply produced fiction published on low-grade paper (pulp), typically featuring sensational, formulaic, and escapist stories.
Pulp fiction is usually specialised (literary/film criticism), casual in register.
Pulp fiction: in British English it is pronounced /ˌpʌlp ˈfɪk.ʃən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌpʌlp ˈfɪk.ʃən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Straight out of pulp fiction”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of cheap, pulpy paper and fictional stories printed on it for mass entertainment.
Conceptual Metaphor
LOW QUALITY MATERIAL IS LOW QUALITY ART / DISPOSABLE ENTERTAINMENT IS PULP.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary characteristic of 'pulp fiction' in its original sense?