Balladmonger

/ˈbæləd.mʌŋɡər/ noun

Definition

A person who writes, composes, or sells ballads, especially one who produces them in large quantities without much care for quality.

Etymology

From 'ballad' plus 'monger' (a merchant or dealer, from Old English 'mangere'). Historically used somewhat derogatorily for hack ballad writers.

Kelly Says

This word is a perfect example of how '-monger' always carries a slight insult—a fishmonger sells fish, but a balladmonger produces cheap ballads in bulk, showing how word-formation can encode judgment.

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