Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
penny-dreadful
noun
/ˌpɛni ˈdrɛd.fəl/
Definition
A type of cheap, sensational fiction popular in the 19th century, often focused on crime, horror, and adventure.
Examples
- The old magazine was filled with penny-dreadful tales of ghostly apparitions.
- Many teenagers found themselves captivated by the penny-dreadful novels available at the local newsstand.
- He enjoyed reading penny-dreadful stories in his youth, despite their cheesy plots.
Meaning
The term generally refers to a story or publication that is of poor quality but highly entertaining, typically aimed at the lower classes.
Synonyms
- cheap fiction
- pulp fiction
- sensational literature
