pulp fiction

noun

1. fiction dealing with lurid or sensational subjects, often printed on rough, low-quality paper manufactured from wood pulp.

Word History and Origins

Origin of pulp fiction¹

An Americanism dating back to 1950–55

Example Sentences

Made in the rush of post-“Pulp Fiction” crime thrillers, the film is a perceptive character study that showcases Anderson’s sensitivity with actors, including early turns by John C. Reilly, Gwyneth Paltrow and a one-scene Philip Seymour Hoffman.

From Los Angeles Times

The “Pulp Fiction” and “Hairspray” star on Instagram shared a closer look at his Danny Zuko-inspired styling and posted a video of him reuniting with co-stars Didi Conn, Barry Pearl, Michael Tucci, Kelly Ward and “Grease” filmmaker Randal Kleiser.

From Los Angeles Times

Weinstein and his brother Bob were among the most major figures in Hollywood, founding Miramax film studio, whose hits included Shakespeare in Love, which won best picture at the Academy Awards, and Pulp Fiction.

From BBC

Pulp Fiction and Reservoir Dogs director Quentin Tarantino said it was "everything an independent movie theatre should be", adding that "for lovers of quality films, this is Mecca".

From BBC

Bailey, whose previous book subjects include “Pulp Fiction” and Richard Pryor, knows “The Sopranos” is the reason why most readers would be drawn to a book about Gandolfini, and his biography spends ample time and space on the series.

From Los Angeles Times

When To Use

What is pulp fiction?

Pulp fiction refers to a genre of racy, action-based stories published in cheaply printed magazines from around 1900 to the 1950s, mostly in the United States.Pulp fiction gets its name from the paper it was printed on. Magazines featuring such stories were typically published using cheap, ragged-edged paper made from wood pulp. These magazines were sometimes called pulps.Pulp fiction created a breeding ground for new and exciting genres. Though the heyday of pulp fiction magazines has passed, their eye-catching covers and dramatic, fast-paced, and simple stories have left behind a legacy that can be seen in today’s movies, TV, books, and comics featuring action heroes and over-the-top villains.