Blurb: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word 'blurb' was coined in 1907 by American humorist Gelett Burgess, who used it to describe a promotional piece of writing.
• Originally, it referred to a short advertisement, often with a humorous twist, on book covers.
• The inspiration for the term may stem from the burbling nature of quick spoken words, resembling the spontaneous nature of blurbs.

Literature

• Blurbs are typically written by authors, editors, or publishers to entice readers and provide insight into the book's content.
• Famous authors often lend their names to blurbs, praising a new book, which can significantly influence its sales.
• In some cases, blurbs can become iconic, like the memorable praise on classic novels that readers still recognize today.

Marketing

• In the marketing world, a blurb plays a crucial role in grabbing attention and can be found in catalogs, online, or on social media.
• Effective blurbs focus on creating intrigue, often highlighting key themes or emotions without giving too much away.
• Blurbs can also be used for promotional content beyond books, such as movies, shows, and products, employing a similar strategy to attract audiences.

Pop Culture

• Blurbs have become a staple not just in literature but in the marketing of video games and even YouTube video descriptions.
• Some award-winning films use blurbs in their promotional materials, quoting positive reviews to catch interest.
• Online platforms like Goodreads and Amazon often feature user-generated blurbs alongside professional ones, showcasing diverse opinions on a title.

This word's position of #31,652 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.

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