Shortshort

Shortshort is a term used to describe ultra-short prose works that fall within the broader realm of microfiction. Typically, a shortshort piece is extremely brief, often ranging from about 50 to 300 words, though some definitions extend to roughly 1,000 words. The form emphasizes conciseness and immediacy, aiming to convey a complete moment, scene, or idea with minimal exposition and a focus on suggestion, image, or a twist.

The origins of the exact term are not uniform across the literary landscape, but shortshort has appeared in magazines and anthologies since the mid- to late 20th century and is closely related to other ultra-short forms such as flash fiction, microfiction, and sudden fiction. In practice, shortshort pieces are commonly found in literary journals and online platforms that experiment with prose, as well as in writing workshops and educational settings that teach precision and economy of language.

A typical shortshort may present a single situation, a brief observation, or a compressed narrative arc culminating in a decisive moment that alters the reader’s understanding. Common techniques include tight diction, strong imagery, a focus on a single sensory impression, and a small cast of characters. The brevity of the form often invites multiple interpretations and can leave certain elements unresolved or open to inference.

Scholarly discussions around shortshort intersect with broader debates about flash fiction and microfiction, including boundaries between genres and how narrative completeness can be achieved within a very limited word count.