Tabloid

Noun

Definition: A newspaper having pages half the size of those of the average broadsheet, typically popular in style and dominated by sensational stories.

Synonyms: Sensationalist newspaper, Yellow press

Antonyms: Broadsheet, Quality newspaper

Examples:

I picked up a tabloid at the supermarket checkout counter to read the latest celebrity gossip.
The tabloid covered the scandal in great detail, exaggerating the facts for a sensationalized story.

Mnemonics:

The word "tabloid" reminds me of "tabloids" being small, sensationalist newspapers you might find at the supermarket.

Etymology:

Origin:

The term "tabloid" originated from the trademark name of a British pharmaceutical company, Burroughs Wellcome & Co., that marketed compressed tablets as "Tabloid" pills in the late 19th century. The word was later applied to newspapers with smaller pages, similar in size to the "Tabloid" pills.

Historical Usage:

The term "tabloid" began being used to describe newspapers in the 20th century, particularly those known for their sensational and impactful stories.

Related Idioms:

Idiom:

"Tabloid journalism"

Explanation:

Referring to the practice of reporting news in a sensational, exaggerated, and often unscrupulous manner, typically found in tabloid newspapers.

Misconceptions:

Misconception:

Assuming all tabloids are unreliable or lack journalistic integrity.

Explanation:

While tabloids are often criticized for prioritizing sensation over accuracy, not all tabloids fall into this category. Some tabloids can still provide credible reporting on certain subjects, alongside their more sensational stories. It's important to be discerning when consuming news from any source.