Grub Street

American  

noun

1. a street in London, England: formerly inhabited by many impoverished minor writers and literary hacks; now called Milton Street.

2. petty and needy authors, or literary hacks, collectively.

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Grub Street British  

noun

1. a former street in London frequented by literary hacks and needy authors

2. the world or class of literary hacks, etc

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adjective

1. (sometimes not capital) relating to or characteristic of hack literature

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

Grub Street

New York produces a biweekly print magazine, as well as digital content published under brands such as the Cut, Grub Street and Vulture.

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 5, 2026

Much of the concern surrounding AI slop is overwrought, as low-quality mass-produced content has consistently accompanied technological innovation throughout history, from the printing press to Grub Street publications in the 1700s.

From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 5, 2025

The cronut officially became a major hit when Hugh Merwin wrote a glowing review of the dessert in New York Magazine's food and restaurant blog, Grub Street.

From Salon ● Nov. 26, 2023

Hobbs mentions aspects of writers’ brands that aren’t looks, like being vulnerable and witty online, and willing to sell off pieces of one’s life in personal essays or Grub Street interviews.

From Slate ● Mar. 25, 2022

The Quick Grub Street Co. beg to announce that they have opened an Establishment for the Supply of Literature in all its Branches.

From Mr. Punch in Bohemia by Various