crinkum-crankum

British  

/ ˈkrɪŋkəmˈkræŋkəm /

noun

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

---

Etymology

Origin of crinkum-crankum

C18: coinage based on _crank ¹

Example Sentences

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 The Complete Works of Robert Burns: Containing his Poems, Songs, and Correspondence. With a New Life of the Poet, and Notices, Critical and Biographical by Allan Cunningham by Burns, Robert

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 Mrs. Tree by Richards, Laura Elizabeth Howe