Words / B1

TABL-oyd/ˈtæblɔɪd/

A tabloid is a small-format popular paper: a tabloid headline; tabloid journalism; the tabloids (plural for that kind of press). A broadsheet is larger and traditionally more serious, though many UK “qualities” now use compact size. Tabloid as an adjective can mean sensational. Do not call the BBC a tabloid — it is a broadcaster. Celebrity and scandal stories are typical tabloid fare.

Meaning

A small newspaper with short articles and many photographs, often about celebrities.

Examples

• “The tabloid put a celebrity wedding on the front page.”
• “The tabloids splashed the footballer’s wedding on page one.”
• “Tabloid headlines often use puns and miss out little words.”

Good to know

the tabloids; a tabloid headline. Traditional opposite: broadsheet / quality paper. Adjective: sensational. BBC ≠ tabloid.

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