tabloid

USAGE SUMMARY

"tabloid" is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is usually used to refer to newspapers that contain sensational news stories, usually with headlines and images designed to attract the reader. For example, "The sensational headlines in the tabloid newspapers have caused controversy recently."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Everything that is now being done to the Guardian has already been done to the tabloid press, a hundred times over, and often at the behest of the Guardian.

The Guardian

He describes the latter as "an incurious 'presentism' – combining a lack of historical sense, a pervasive contempt for the wisdom of the past, a fascination with novelty simply because it is new and a propensity to over-react to every ephemeral focus group finding or tabloid whim".

The Guardian - Opinion

You can't demand chicken under the Human Rights Act, although the 2006 headline "Kentucky Fried Farce that shows folly of the Human Rights Act" might possibly have led tabloid readers to believe otherwise.

The Guardian - Opinion

Looking to make a show of force, the cops had alerted the UK's tabloid press, who had been waiting outside Ellis's building since daybreak.

The Guardian - Books

Coulson, because of his links with the Murdoch empire and his tabloid experience, was given the benefit of the doubt, a privilege once reserved by the establishment for chaps of impeccably upper-class background.

The Guardian - Opinion

Her tabloid hero-worshippers cheerfully destroyed all such nuance.

The Guardian

The pair are due at the Old Bailey in London on Wednesday with five other journalists from the now-defunct tabloid the News of the World, as well as private investigator Glenn Mulcaire.

The Guardian

Here is a man who makes superhuman efforts to stick by his roots in Scotland and dodge tabloid celebrity, only to find that his every move is written up in the papers, usually accompanied by a punning headline derived from The Full Monty.

The Guardian - Film

Peter Carbery, the editor of the Daily Star Sunday, is understood to be leaving as the tabloid moves closer to a combined seven-day operation with sister title the Daily Star.

The Guardian

In the Wikipedia entry on the shooting, a government internet connection was used to write: "There has been some public backlash against Menezes, with British tabloid newspaper in particular protesting that he has received more publicity than any of the 52 people who died in the bombings.

The Guardian - Tech

A spurious tabloid rumour about an Oasis reunion often treads a similar path: "A source" chirrups of some tentative peace within the Gallagher camp.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "tabloid" to specifically refer to newspapers characterized by their small format and sensational content. Be mindful of the connotations of sensationalism and potential bias.

Common error

Avoid using "tabloid" interchangeably with "newspaper". "Tabloid" refers to a specific format and style, while "newspaper" is a broader term. Not all newspapers are tabloids.

Linguistic Context

The word "tabloid" functions primarily as a noun, referring to a specific type of newspaper. It can also act as an adjective, describing something related to or resembling a tabloid. As Ludwig confirms, it is a correct and usable word in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tabloid" is a commonly used word that refers to a specific type of newspaper known for its smaller format and sensational content. It functions both as a noun and an adjective and is primarily used in the context of news and media. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in written English. While the term can carry negative connotations, it serves as a neutral descriptor for a particular style of journalism and publication format. Related phrases such as "sensational newspaper" or "yellow journalism" can be used depending on the specific aspect one wishes to emphasize. When using the term, it's important to be aware of its connotations and avoid confusing it with the broader term "newspaper".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tabloid journalism

Highlights the type of journalistic practices which are linked to tabloid's papers.

sensational newspaper

Emphasizes the sensational content often found in tabloids, shifting the focus from format to content.

sensationalistic media

Broadens the scope to include other media outlets that employ sensationalism, not just newspapers.

yellow journalism

Highlights the sensationalist and often unethical practices associated with tabloids, focusing on journalistic style.

scandal sheet

Underscores the focus on scandals and gossip that is typical of tabloid publications.

red-top newspaper

A British term referring to tabloids, highlighting the red masthead common in these publications.

Fleet Street press

A metonym referring to the British newspaper industry, often associated with tabloids.

small-format newspaper

Highlights the physical format of a tabloid, focusing on size rather than content.

popular press

Refers to the broad appeal and accessibility of tabloids to a wide audience.

gossip magazine

Focuses on the entertainment and celebrity gossip aspect often covered by tabloids.

FAQs

How is a "tabloid" newspaper different from a broadsheet?

A "tabloid" is smaller in size and typically focuses on sensational news, while a broadsheet is larger and usually covers more serious topics.

What are some characteristics of "tabloid journalism"?

Tabloid journalism is often characterized by sensationalism, a focus on celebrity gossip, and simplified language. It often lacks in-depth analysis found in other forms of journalism.

What are some synonyms for the word "tabloid"?

Synonyms include "scandal sheet", "yellow press", and "popular press", depending on the specific context.

Is it always negative to refer to something as "tabloid"?

While the term "tabloid" often carries negative connotations due to its association with sensationalism, it's not always negative. It can simply describe the format or style of a publication without implying judgment.