PhrasesHub

Penny dreadful

    Definitions

      • something of little value or quality
        Referring to something as cheap, inferior, or not worth much

      • sensational or lurid
        Describing something as sensational, shocking, or lurid, especially in a negative way

    Examples of Penny dreadful

    • The latest blockbuster movie is a real penny dreadful. It's full of cliches, predictable plot twists, and poor acting.

      Penny dreadful is a 19th-century term for a cheap and sensational reading material that was popular among the working class. In this idiomatic usage, it refers to anything that is extremely cheap, cheaply produced, and of poor quality, much like the penny dreadfuls of old.

    • The advertisement for the new product promised a complete cure for all kinds of ailments, but it turned out to be nothing more than a penny dreadful, as it failed to deliver on its promises.

      Again, the term penny dreadful is used metaphorically to describe anything that is misleading, unconvincing, and of little or no value.

    • Despite its flaws, the game was a penny dreadful, as it provided hours of entertaining gameplay that kept us hooked till the end.

      Here, the idiom is used in a different context, where it's employed to describe a less than perfect product or experience that still manages to engage and amuse the user.

    • The politician's policies were nothing more than a penny dreadful, filled with empty promises and half-truths that were neither convincing nor credible.

      This final example is similar to the second one, but here, the politician's policies are being specifically compared to the cheap and sensational reading material popular in the 19th century as they are deemed equally unreliable and untrustworthy.

    • Sarah couldn't stop reading the latest thriller novel. She devoured it like a penny dreadful, unable to put it down until she reached the very last page.

      The phrase "penny dreadful" refers to a type of sensational and often gruesome novel that was popular in the 19th century. It was sold for a penny, making it affordable for working-class people. The term is now used to describe anything that is addictively engaging and difficult to resist.

    • The new true crime podcast had listeners on the edge of their seats. It was a penny dreadful, with twists and turns that kept them guessing until the very end.

      In this example, "penny dreadful" is used to describe a podcast that is so engrossing and thrilling that listeners find it impossible to turn off or stop listening until the end.

    • The horror movie was so gripping that it felt like a penny dreadful. It was filled with gruesome scenes and unexpected twists that left the audience on the edge of their seats.

      Here, "penny dreadful" is applied to a movie that is so terrifying and captivating that it seems to be unstoppable, much like the popular novels of the past.

    • The news story was a penny dreadful, filled with shocking details that left the audience gasping in disbelief.

      In this final example, "penny dreadful" is used to describe a news story that is so sensational and scandalous that it captures the attention of an audience, much like the magazines and novels of the past that were often filled with salacious content.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "penny dreadful" can be used to convey two different meanings. It can be used to describe something as of little value or quality, or it can be used to describe something as sensational or lurid. In both cases, it is used to express a negative opinion about the subject being referred to.

    Origin of "Penny dreadful"

    The term "penny dreadful" originated in the 19th century and was used to describe a type of cheap and sensational fiction publication that was popular among the working-class readers. These publications were known for their lurid and sensational stories, often featuring crime, horror, or the supernatural. They were sold for a penny, hence the name "penny dreadful."

    Over time, the term "penny dreadful" has evolved to be used more broadly to describe anything of little value or quality, as well as something sensational or lurid in a negative sense. This evolution has made the idiom a popular way to express disdain or criticism for something.