pap
word
Definition
'Pap' refers to soft, mushy food, usually prepared for babies or people who cannot chew well. It also means something that lacks substance or value, like uninteresting writing or media.
Usage & Nuances
Mostly informal. As food, 'pap' often refers to baby food, porridge, or mush, especially in British English. As criticism, calling text, shows, or news 'pap' means it is seen as trivial or meaningless. Uncommon in American English except regionally or in medical use ('Pap test' is unrelated).
Example Sentences
He called the movie nothing but pap.
basic
The baby ate some pap for breakfast.
basic
She made apple pap for her sick grandmother.
basic
Most of the articles in that magazine are just celebrity pap.
natural
He survived on bread and watery pap during the hard times.
natural
Don’t waste your time reading that—it’s pure pap.
natural