Glossary of Pulp Terms

Here’s a collection of terms that were commonly used in old pulp stories. Pulp was characterized by fast-paced, action-packed stories that often featured larger-than-life heroes and villains. Larger than life words takes larger than life lingo. These terms have become associated with the genre. But, some of these terms often had specific meanings within the context of pulp fiction, and some of them are still in use today, although their meanings may have changed over time.

“Big House“ – A term used to refer to a prison.

“Big Sleep“ – A phrase used to refer to death.

“The can” – A term used to refer to a prison.

“Dame” – A term used to refer to a woman, often with a connotation of sexiness or danger.

“The fall guy” – A term used to refer to someone who is blamed or punished for something that they did not do.

“The Feds” – A term used to refer to the federal government, particularly federal law enforcement agencies.

“The Fifth” or “The Fifth Amendment” – The amendment to the United States Constitution that protects citizens from self-incrimination.

“The fix” – A term used to refer to the use of bribes or other forms of corruption to get someone to do something.

“G-Man” – A term used to refer to a government agent, particularly one from the FBI.

“The heat” – A term used to refer to the police.

“The inside” – A term used to refer to the inside of a prison.

“The joint” – A term used to refer to a prison.

“The law” – A term used to refer to the police or other law enforcement agencies.

“The Man” – A term used to refer to the authorities, particularly the police.

“The Mob” – A term used to refer to organized crime.

“Private eye” – A detective or investigator.

“Rap” – A term used to refer to criminal charges or imprisonment.

“Shakedown” – A term used to refer to the use of threats or intimidation to get someone to do something.

“Slammer” – A term used to refer to a prison.

“Squeeze” – A term used to refer to the use of pressure or coercion to get someone to do something.

“strong-arm” – A term used to refer to the use of physical force or intimidation to get someone to do something.

“Third Degree” – A term used to refer to harsh or intense questioning, often used to extract a confession or information from someone.

“Tough guy” – A character who was physically strong and not afraid to use violence.

“Two-fisted” – Describing a character who was tough and not afraid to use physical force.