grub street

The phrase "grub street" refers to a literary or journalistic world that is characterized by low quality or hackneyed writing and a lack of professional success or recognition. It originated from a street called Grub Street in London, which was known as a hub for impoverished and struggling writers in the 18th century. The term is used to describe a literary environment marked by poverty, desperation, and an emphasis on churning out mediocre or sensationalist work to make a living. It is often used metaphorically to criticize or mock the commercial or bottom-tier aspects of the publishing industry or journalism.