lurid

Lurid is an adjective with two related senses. The primary use describes something vivid and sensational to a degree that is shocking or disturbing, such as vivid imagery, narratives, or details designed to provoke a strong emotional reaction. A secondary sense refers to a pale, yellowish, or ghastly appearance, often used of colors or complexions. In contemporary usage the sensational sense is more common, but the color-related sense remains a valid meaning.

Etymology and development: Lurid derives from the Latin luridus, meaning pale, greenish-yellow, or ghastly. The color sense—pale or sickly hues—predates the broader metaphorical use, while the sense of sensational, attention-grabbing detail evolved through association with striking and distasteful visuals. The word has long carried a negative or critical charge in English when describing journalism, art, or description.

Usage and nuance: In journalism and popular culture, lurid often applies to sensational reporting, crime stories, or headlines that emphasize shocking detail. In visual language, lurid colors imply high saturation, garishness, or clashing tones that create an unsettling effect. Though occasionally used more neutrally in description, the term generally signals excess, melodrama, or a departure from restrained understatement.