Doggerel

Doggerel refers to poetry or verse that is of low quality, often characterized by a clumsy rhythm, simplistic rhymes, and a lack of genuine artistic merit. It's typically considered amateurish, poorly crafted, and sometimes unintentionally humorous due to its ineptitude. The term can apply to any form of written verse, including ballads, limericks, or free verse, as long as it possesses these undesirable qualities. The purpose of doggerel is often to be humorous or to satirize other poems, however most of the time it is made with no intention of publication.

Doggerel meaning with examples

• The bard's attempt at an epic poem quickly devolved into doggerel. The meter was inconsistent, the rhymes were forced, and the story lacked any depth, prompting polite coughs from the audience. It served more as a source of unintentional amusement rather than inspiring or moving anyone in the theatre. This type of performance is a staple of amateur hour.
• Children, in attempts to write their own poems often produce doggerel. Their simple language and unsophisticated ideas result in awkward phrasing and predictable rhythms. Though endearing to parents, the poems lack the polish and sophistication of a skilled writer. It usually focuses on subjects children love such as cats and dogs.
• Satirical works can occasionally verge into doggerel if the writer prioritizes easy targets over genuine wit and artistry. The resulting verse may be funny in a surface way, but it is usually shallow. True parody requires a great deal of skill and a deep understanding of the work it seeks to mimic.
• Greeting cards often feature doggerel, designed to elicit a chuckle or sentimental response through basic rhymes and clichés. The poems are predictable and often formulaic. Though the sentiment is usually heartwarming, they rarely rise above the level of light entertainment, existing solely for commercial reasons.
• An untrained poet trying to capture the essence of beauty might create doggerel. Despite the lofty subject matter, the end result is often clumsy and uninspired. The lack of technical skill and genuine understanding of poetic language are often very obvious.