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Poetaster: meaning, definitions and examples

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poetaster

 

[ˈpəʊɪtæstə ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

literature

A poetaster is a person who writes inferior poetry, often with pretentious or superficial content.

Synonyms

hack, rhymester, versifier.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
poetaster

This term is used in a negative sense to describe a person who writes poetry of low quality or someone whose poetic abilities are perceived as amateurish.

  • The critics dismissed him as nothing more than a poetaster who failed to grasp the deeper essence of poetry.
  • Her verses were so clumsy that many considered her just a poetaster.
hack

Often used derogatorily to describe a writer, including poets, who produces low-quality work, often for commercial reasons rather than artistic merit.

  • He's just a hack, churning out books with little regard for literary quality.
  • The poems felt like they were written by some hack desperate to make a quick buck.
versifier

A relatively neutral term for someone who makes verses. It does not necessarily imply high skill or artistry, usually focusing on the act of writing verses rather than their quality.

  • The medieval versifier composed ballads that told stories of heroism and love.
  • While not a literary genius, he was a competent versifier.
rhymester

This term typically refers to someone who composes simple and often clichéd rhymes. It can be used neutrally but sometimes carries a slightly dismissive tone.

  • The child's poem was charming in its simplicity, making him quite the little rhymester.
  • His attempts at being a serious poet were often ridiculed, branding him merely a rhymester.

Examples of usage

  • He was mocked by the literary community for being nothing more than a poetaster.
  • The poetaster's work lacked depth and originality.
  • The critics dismissed him as a mere poetaster, incapable of producing truly meaningful poetry.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The term 'poetaster' comes from the Latin 'poetaster', meaning a petty poet.
  • It combines 'poet' with the diminutive suffix '-ster', indicating someone who is lesser or inferior.
  • First used in the 16th century, it often carried a mocking tone.

Literature

  • Famous authors like Alexander Pope used the term in their critiques, pointing out those who were not true poets.
  • In modern literature, it can refer to anyone who mimics poetic styles without genuine understanding.
  • This word highlights the tension between genuine artistry and superficial attempts at art.

Cultural Critique

  • The use of 'poetaster' can signal elitism in literary circles, as it labels those outside 'real' art.
  • Cultural movements often seek to celebrate diversity in expression, challenging the idea of who qualifies as a poet.
  • In contemporary discussions, it may evoke the idea of 'poser' in the arts, urging authenticity.

Psychology

  • The need to express oneself artistically is innate, but feedback can lead some to avoid the label of 'poetaster.'
  • People often take criticism of their creative work deeply, which can affect their confidence and willingness to share.
  • Labeling someone as a 'poetaster' can create insecurity among aspiring writers, fostering a fear of public perception.

Pop Culture

  • In modern media, reality TV often showcases individuals who strive for artistic recognition but may lack talent.
  • This term appears in discussions on social media platforms where amateur poets share their work, often receiving mixed feedback.
  • Many musicians and artists have affectionately reclaimed the term in a humorous or self-deprecating way.

Translations

Translations of the word "poetaster" in other languages:

🇵🇹 poetastro

🇮🇳 अल्पकवि

🇩🇪 Schmierdichter

🇮🇩 penyair buruk

🇺🇦 поганий поет

🇵🇱 grafoman

🇯🇵 下手な詩人

🇫🇷 poète médiocre

🇪🇸 poeta mediocre

🇹🇷 kötü şair

🇰🇷 졸렬한 시인

🇸🇦 شاعر رديء

🇨🇿 špatný básník

🇸🇰 zlý básnik

🇨🇳 蹩脚诗人

🇸🇮 slab pesnik

🇮🇸 lélegur skáld

🇰🇿 нашар ақын

🇬🇪 ცუდი პოეტი

🇦🇿 pis şair

🇲🇽 poeta mediocre

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #38,677, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.