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

It developed a reputation as the dollar store of the internet, shipping odd gimcracks and thingamajigs directly from vendors in China.

From New York Times

Companies outside of the art world, meanwhile, are using digital technology to remake timeless masterpieces as evanescent gimcracks, as projected tourist attractions and animations.

From New York Times

Gewgaw, a shiny trinket Bon Voyage A trinket or a knickknack, an ornament, a kickshaw, a frippery, a gimcrack, a bibelot, a gewgaw .

From Washington Post

Imagine the damage such a salesman might do, stirring up dissatisfaction and unhappiness just to sell us a gimcrack agenda that we’d wish we had never bought.

From Washington Post

The inevitable flood tide of gimcrack Biden souvenirs has yet to start in earnest, but there are some.

From New York Times

Related Words

• gewgaw
• trinket