balladmonger

American  

[bal-uhd-mong-ger, -muhng-] / ˈbæl ədˌmɒŋ gər, -ˌmʌŋ- /

noun

1. a seller of ballads.

2. an inferior poet.

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balladmonger British  

/ ˈbælədˌmʌŋɡə /

noun

1. (formerly) a seller of ballads, esp on broadsheets

2. derogatory a writer of mediocre poetry

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Other Word Forms

• balladmongering noun

Etymology

Origin of balladmonger

First recorded in 1590–1600; ballad + monger

Example Sentences

Let him dwindle into a modish balladmonger; let him worship and be-sing the idols of the time, and the time will not fail to reward him,—if, indeed, he can endure to live in that capacity!

From Project Gutenberg

The second Earl was his son, also Henry, who fought at Chevy Chase; he was not, however, slain there, as the balladmonger says, but at St. Albans.

From Project Gutenberg

He even frequented the Philharmonic Concerts, which were then conducted by a composer of sentimental drawing-room ballads, and though he would not class this conductor with Richter or Henry J. Wood, he yet believed that somehow, by the magic of the sacred name of the Philharmonic Society, the balladmonger in the man expired in the act of raising the baton and was replaced by a serious and sensitive artist.

From Project Gutenberg

Jean Francois was a vagabond by nature, a balladmonger by profession.

From Project Gutenberg

Away, out, out, go set up for yourself again, do; drive a trade, do, with your threepennyworth of small ware, flaunting upon a packthread, under a brandy-seller's bulk, or against a dead wall by a balladmonger.

From Project Gutenberg