Part of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

/ˈdɒɡərəl/

Definitions

• 1. Poetry that is irregular in rhythm or rhyme, often considered trivial, crude, or of poor quality.
• 2. A piece of writing, especially a poem, that is considered to be clumsy, crude, or lacking in artistic merit.

Usage Examples

• "The poem was dismissed as doggerel, lacking depth and sophistication."
• "Though his verses were often derided as doggerel, they brought a smile to the faces of those who heard them."
• "The artist's work, once celebrated as elegant, was now seen as nothing more than doggerel."

Etymology

The term "doggerel" likely originates from the Middle English word "dogerel," which meant "of the nature of a dog" or "dog-like," referring to the lowly, unrefined nature of the poetry it described. The word is thought to have been a diminutive of "dog," implying something of poor quality, rough, or unpolished. The modern sense of the word has evolved to describe poetry that is considered trivial, simplistic, or of little artistic merit.

Synonyms

• Trivial poetry
• Shoddy verse
• Bad poetry
• Crude verse
• Poorly written poetry

Antonyms

• Masterpiece
• Elegance
• Poetry of quality
• Refined verse

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• English (British): /ˈdɒɡərəl/
• English (American): /ˈdɔɡərəl/
• Spanish: /poeˈsi.a ðe ˈβaxa kalidad/
• French: /vɛʁ ɛ̃sɪɡnifjɑ̃/

Historical Usage

The term "doggerel" has been used since at least the 16th century, originally referring to low-class or inferior poetry, and was often associated with rough, unpolished verse. In the early usage, it was more of a dismissive term, used to deride poetry that did not meet the standards of refined literary taste. Over time, "doggerel" has become a more general term for any verse that is poorly constructed or lacks artistic value, and is often used humorously or pejoratively.

Cultural Nuances

In modern contexts, "doggerel" can sometimes be used playfully or ironically to describe poetry that, while crude or simplistic, is still enjoyable or has some charm. While the term has historically been used to dismiss certain forms of poetry, it can now occasionally be used in a more nuanced way, particularly in satirical or comedic contexts. Despite its negative connotations, doggerel has remained a part of popular culture, especially in folk songs, limericks, and humorous poetry.

More Information

Doggerel has long been considered a literary form that lacks sophistication, but it has played a significant role in the development of popular poetry and folk traditions. It is often associated with humor, satire, and light verse, and has been used by poets to entertain, mock, or critique societal norms. Notable poets such as Edward Lear and Ogden Nash used doggerel as a means to entertain and engage their audience. While doggerel may not always be regarded as high art, its role in popular culture and in the history of poetry remains important.