Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Words that Don’t Exist Outside of Tabloid Newspapers

232 replies

AuntyJanet · 02/02/2022 22:05

Just that really, what words appear in the tabloid press but are never used by people in everyday life.

I’ll start with:

Revellers
Tottered
Hit-maker

OP posts:
Toothsil · 03/02/2022 02:15

Burgeoning baby bump

SnowyPetals · 03/02/2022 03:14

Skyrocket and plummet. Things never just increase or decrease.

38woman · 03/02/2022 03:24

Busty display

38woman · 03/02/2022 03:24

Tresses

Bunnybunny1 · 03/02/2022 04:10

Burgeoning.

GreekGod · 03/02/2022 04:19

I can't stop laughing reading these comments

FairNotFair · 03/02/2022 04:26

Crimper
Donned
Boffins
Eatery

MichaelBooblay · 03/02/2022 04:28

Raunchy
Love rat
Adorable tot
Loved up display

ISpyCobraKai · 03/02/2022 04:35

Styled.
For absolutely everyone.
"She styled her long locks in a casual up do and donned relaxed fit jeans teamed with white trainers"
She shoved her hair in a bobble and threw on the nearest pair of jeans and trainers to get a pack of cigs from the corner shop!

CailleachGranda · 03/02/2022 08:54

Sparks fury (ie one person tweeted or emailed)

Giggorata · 03/02/2022 09:24

Plied, as in drinks or drugs.

Original poster
AuntyJanet · 03/02/2022 09:39

OUTRAGE (2-3 people moaning on Twitter)

OP posts:
Teenagequeenwithaloadedgun · 03/02/2022 09:42

Torn down instead of demolished
Slapped back instead of disagree
Tresses/locks
Hit maker
Basking in the sunshine

CounsellorTroi · 03/02/2022 09:43

Beleaguered, as in the beleaguered prime minister.

AtomicBlondeRose · 03/02/2022 09:44

www.theguardian.com/media/2005/feb/21/pressandpublishing.mondaymediasection - this is a good article about tabloid speak.

MorningStarling · 03/02/2022 09:44

Nookie
Dick (as in private detective)
Bash (as in party)
Stunner (as in good-looking)
Love rat
Hooker
Call girl

JarvisCockersRightEyebrow · 03/02/2022 09:56

Blossoming baby bump! Confused

derxa · 03/02/2022 09:57

caged tot 🤣

CatJumperTwat · 03/02/2022 09:57

"Tot" for a small child.

Mrssebastianstan · 03/02/2022 10:14

‘Ample’ in conjunction with ‘assets’ and ‘curves’. Normally ‘flaunted’ or ‘showcased’.
Also ‘boffins’.

thebabessavedme · 03/02/2022 10:27

horny
randy

corrie star

however I have a soft spot for 'romp' A sure fire way to see off dh when he is a mood for a 'cavort' is to ask him if he would like to head upstairs for 'romp' seems to put him right off and I get to finish my book Grin

TotalRhubarb · 03/02/2022 12:37

These are hilarious!

No doubt these are part of a DM house style guide, given to all staff with utmost seriousness. What must the journalists be thinking as they’re having to write this tosh? They must cry into their wine of a night, wondering how all that potential came to this. Grin

APJ1 · 03/02/2022 13:49

"funnyman" meaning comedian.

That one makes me cringe. I'll decide myself if I think he's funny!

EishetChayil · 03/02/2022 14:16

When celebs "take to Twitter"

UnoriginalPenguin · 03/02/2022 15:04

"shares" a child with
"recycles" her outfit
I suppose they are phrases rather than words but they really irk me!