# PAP

/ˈpæp/ (US) · /pˈæp/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/pap
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

boring or silly ideas that have no real value. You use this word to describe writing or talk that is too simple or emotional in a way that feels fake.

For teachers: worthless or trivial ideas, writing, or talk; often specifically refers to overly sentimental or simplistic content. Informal and often derogatory in tone.

## Examples

- I am tired of reading this political pap.
- The magazine used to feature serious investigative journalism, but now it is filled with celebrity pap and gossip.
- The candidate's speech was dismissed by critics as mere populist pap, designed to soothe the audience without offering any concrete policy solutions to the ongoing economic crisis.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.