screeds

Screeds are long, often tedious pieces of writing or speeches that advance a single, forceful point of view. They are typically characterized by length, repetition, sweeping generalizations, and a strongly opinionated or admonitory tone. The term is usually used pejoratively, signaling that the work prioritizes venting or persuasion over balanced analysis.

The word's exact origin is uncertain, but screed has appeared in English since at least the 17th or 18th century to describe a printed tract or lengthy document. In contemporary usage, screed often denotes a lengthy diatribe or polemical essay, whether in print or online.

Screeds appear in various contexts, including political pamphleteering, religious or moralistic prose, editorial columns, and extensive online posts or comments. They may take the form of manifestos, dissertations, or rants, but share the common feature of a single, uncompromising argument presented with little attempt at rebuttal.

Common stylistic features include absolutist language, repetition, appeals to emotion, and a lack of nuanced consideration for opposing views. They may rely on anecdotes or sweeping claims rather than methodical evidence.

In modern discourse, screeds are frequently encountered in blogs, forums, social media, and letters to the editor. The label "screed" often signals a reader's perception of excessive length or zeal, rather than a neutral summary of a topic.

Note: "screed" can also mean a long, flat strip of concrete or plaster used in construction, a separate sense unrelated to writing.