gimcrack

[ jim-krak ]

noun

1. a showy, useless trifle; gewgaw.

   Synonyms: ornament, trinket, knickknack, bauble

adjective

1. showy but useless.

gimcrack

/ ˈdʒɪmˌkræk /

adjective

1. cheap; shoddy

noun

1. a cheap showy trifle or gadget

Derived Forms

• ˈgimˌcrackery, noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of gimcrack¹

1325–75 for earlier sense; Middle English gib ( e ) crake; compare Middle English gibben to waver (< Old French giber to shake)

Word History and Origins

Origin of gimcrack¹

C18: changed from C14 gibecrake little ornament, of unknown origin

Example Sentences

About two-thirds of the masters have lost their heads, and are trying to produce a gimcrack copy of Eton.

From Project Gutenberg

When gazing at it one gazed at the ruin, not of a cottage or of a gimcrack villa, but at the ruins of a palace.

From Project Gutenberg

I was never one to jump to gimcrack conclusions, and I said as much with perhaps more candour than the occasion required.

From Project Gutenberg

Dominating the town is the two-or three-story “Queen Hotel,” the last word in flamboyant, gimcrack hideousness.

From Project Gutenberg

There were many flowers in the room—some in Cloisonne vases, others in gimcrack vessels such as are bought at country fairs.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• gewgaw
• trinket