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Flummery: meaning, definitions and examples

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flummery

 

[ หˆflสŒmษ™ri ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

food item

Flummery is a type of dessert made from sweetened fruit or flavored gel. It is often soft and can be made with various ingredients, including gelatin or cornstarch. Traditionally, it has a somewhat jelly-like consistency and can be served in various forms.

Synonyms

dessert, jelly, mousse

Examples of usage

  • She served a delightful flummery made from berries.
  • The recipe called for a delicious raspberry flummery.
  • Flummery can be a refreshing treat in the summertime.
Context #2 | Noun

foolish talk

Flummery can also refer to nonsensical or empty talk, often intended to impress or deceive. It is used to describe words or statements that lack substance or meaning.

Synonyms

gibberish, nonsense, twaddle

Examples of usage

  • His speech was filled with flummery and lacked any real point.
  • Don't listen to that flummery; it's just empty promises.
  • The politician's flummery did not resonate with the audience.

Etymology

The term 'flummery' originates from the early 17th century, derived from the Welsh word 'llumri', which means to flutter or to flutter about. Initially, it referred to a type of thin oatmeal porridge or a sweet dish made from fruit. Over time, its meaning expanded to include any sort of vague or nonsensical speech, especially in contexts where it was used to impress or deceive others. The dual nature of the word, describing both a type of dessert and empty talk, reflects the cultural shifts in language and usage, revealing how words can evolve and gain layers of meaning over time.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #38,925, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.