What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
doggerel
Example
The student's doggerel poem was full of cliches and lacked any originality. [doggerel: adjective]
Example
The comedian recited some doggerel verses that made the audience laugh. [doggerel: noun]
limerick
Example
The children giggled at the silly limerick about a man from Nantucket. [limerick: noun]
Example
She wrote a limerick about her cat that made everyone chuckle. [limerick: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Limerick is more commonly used than doggerel in everyday language. Limerick is a recognized form of poetry and is often used for entertainment or amusement, while doggerel is less common and is often associated with poor quality or lack of effort.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between doggerel and limerick?
Neither doggerel nor limerick are typically associated with formal language. Both are informal and playful forms of poetry that are used for entertainment or amusement.