Potboiler

/ˈpɑːtbɔɪlər/
noun

A book, movie, or painting created with the aim of making money rather than for artistic value.

The novel was just another potboiler to keep the author's name in the public eye.
Visual representation of "potboiler" - A book, movie, or painting created with the aim of making money rather than for artistic value.

Often appears as...

  • write a potboiler
  • churn out a potboiler
noun

A book, movie, or painting created with the aim of making money rather than for artistic value.

The novel was just another potboiler to keep the author's name in the public eye.
Visual representation of "potboiler" - A book, movie, or painting created with the aim of making money rather than for artistic value.

Often appears as...

  • write a potboiler
  • churn out a potboiler
Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "potboiler"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Not Artistic

Potboiler is used negatively to suggest something lacks artistic merit and is purely for income.

Illustration for Not Artistic
She didn't expect critical acclaim; the book was a potboiler, after all.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Slightly Derogatory

'Potboiler' can imply a work is less respected or not taken seriously by critics.

Illustration for Slightly Derogatory
His latest movie is a mere potboiler compared to his former masterpieces.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Cultural Usage

Although 'potboiler' relates to any creative work, it's often used in publishing and film industries.

Illustration for Cultural Usage
The studio wanted a potboiler that would rake in money from summer audiences.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Not Artistic

Potboiler is used negatively to suggest something lacks artistic merit and is purely for income.

Illustration for Not Artistic
She didn't expect critical acclaim; the book was a potboiler, after all.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Slightly Derogatory

'Potboiler' can imply a work is less respected or not taken seriously by critics.

Illustration for Slightly Derogatory
His latest movie is a mere potboiler compared to his former masterpieces.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Cultural Usage

Although 'potboiler' relates to any creative work, it's often used in publishing and film industries.

Illustration for Cultural Usage
The studio wanted a potboiler that would rake in money from summer audiences.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Not Artistic

Potboiler is used negatively to suggest something lacks artistic merit and is purely for income.

Illustration for Not Artistic
She didn't expect critical acclaim; the book was a potboiler, after all.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Slightly Derogatory

'Potboiler' can imply a work is less respected or not taken seriously by critics.

Illustration for Slightly Derogatory
His latest movie is a mere potboiler compared to his former masterpieces.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Cultural Usage

Although 'potboiler' relates to any creative work, it's often used in publishing and film industries.

Illustration for Cultural Usage
The studio wanted a potboiler that would rake in money from summer audiences.
Visual representation of the word "Potboiler"

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Quote examples

Shweta Tripathi

Indian Actress

For me, content is paramount, and even if I'm to do a potboiler, the content should be excellent.
Portrait of Shweta Tripathi

Quote examples

Huma Qureshi

Indian Actress

I'd love to do a potboiler.
Portrait of Huma Qureshi

Quote examples

Shweta Tripathi

Indian Actress

For me, content is paramount, and even if I'm to do a potboiler, the content should be excellent.
Portrait of Shweta Tripathi

Quote examples

Huma Qureshi

Indian Actress

I'd love to do a potboiler.
Portrait of Huma Qureshi
Example 1 of 2
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