crinkum-crankum

/ ˈkrɪŋkəmˈkræŋkəm /

noun

1. a fanciful name for any object that is full of twists and turns

Word History and Origins

Origin of crinkum-crankum¹

C18: coinage based on crank ¹

Example Sentences

That was the kind of prank Solomon was up to, every day of his life; and fishing for schoolmaster's wig through the skylight, and every crinkum-crankum that ever was.

From Project Gutenberg

That crinkum-crankum tune, “Robin Adair,” has run so in my head, and I succeeded so ill in my last attempt, that I have ventured, in this morning’s walk, one essay more.

From Project Gutenberg

"I thought at the time," said Mr. Branghton, "that three shillings was an exorbitant price for a place in the gallery: but as we'd been asked so much at the other doors, why I paid it without many words; but, then, to be sure, thinks I, it can never be like any other gallery, we shall see some crinkum-crankum or other for our money; but I find it's as arrant a take-in as ever I met with."

From Project Gutenberg