drabble

Part of Speech

Noun, Verb

Pronunciation

/ˈdræbəl/

Definitions

As a noun: A short, usually trivial or inconsequential piece of writing, especially one written for a specific challenge, often involving a set word limit.

As a verb: To write a short story, usually under a specific word limit, often in a playful or experimental manner.

Usage Examples

• She spent the afternoon writing a drabble for the writing challenge.
• He drabbled a story about a dragon in under 100 words.
• Writing drabbles has become a popular hobby in the online writing community.

Etymology

The term "drabble" is believed to have originated in the late 20th century within online writing communities. It is derived from the word "drab," referring to something dull or unimportant, and later adapted into the modern sense of a short story written quickly and without deep plot development.

Synonyms

• Short story
• Flash fiction
• Microfiction
• Quick story

Antonyms

• Novel
• Long-form fiction
• Epic

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• American English: /ˈdræbəl/
• British English: /ˈdræbəl/
• Australian English: /ˈdræbəl/

Historical Usage

The term "drabble" gained popularity in online forums and writing communities in the early 2000s, where it was used to refer to a very short, often impromptu, story challenge. It has since spread widely among creative writing enthusiasts, especially within fandoms and social media writing circles.

Cultural Nuances

Drabbles are often used in fan fiction and amateur writing circles as a way to practice brevity and creativity. The challenge of writing a complete story in under 100-500 words has led to a focus on concise storytelling and exploration of characters, often resulting in humorous, whimsical, or emotionally charged narratives. While the term originally applied to fan fiction, it has expanded to refer to any very short story or creative writing exercise.

More Information

Drabbles are a popular way for writers to challenge themselves, particularly in communities that emphasize quick and creative writing, like fan fiction. The form is an excellent exercise in economy of language, requiring the writer to convey an idea, mood, or scene with limited space. In addition to creative writing, the term "drabble" has also been adopted by various writing contests and competitions, where participants are tasked with composing stories within strict word limits. Despite its origins in fan fiction, the drabble form has influenced broader creative writing practices and is often used in both literary and casual contexts.