"Hardboiled" refers to a style of writing, particularly in detective fiction, characterized by a tough, unsentimental tone. It often features a cynical protagonist, typically a private detective, who navigates a gritty urban environment filled with crime and corruption. This genre emphasizes realism and moral ambiguity, often portraying characters who operate outside the law. The term is closely associated with authors like Dashiell Hammett and Raymond Chandler, who popularized this style in the early to mid-20th century. Their works often include sharp dialogue, complex plots, and a focus on the darker aspects of human nature, making hardboiled fiction a significant part of American literature.