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Gimcrack: meaning, definitions and examples

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gimcrack

 

[ หˆษกษชm.krรฆk ]

Noun / Adjective
Context #1 | Noun

low quality

Gimcrack refers to a showy but worthless object or a thing of little value. This term can also describe something that is flimsy or cheap, often designed to attract attention. It may connote a lack of substance or usefulness despite outward appearances. In some contexts, it is used to criticize extravagant or gaudy items that do not offer real utility or quality.

Synonyms

bauble, gimmick, knickknack, trinket

Examples of usage

  • The market was filled with gimcrack souvenirs that appealed to tourists.
  • She avoided buying gimcrack jewelry, preferring more meaningful pieces.
  • The festival showcased various gimcrack inventions that were more for show than practicality.
Context #2 | Adjective

showy but worthless

When used as an adjective, gimcrack describes something that is attractive in a superficial way but lacks real value or quality. It often implies a focus on appearance rather than substance. This quality can relate to design, craftsmanship, or functionality that fails to meet expectations despite being eye-catching. Thus, something described as gimcrack may only serve decorative purposes without any meaningful application.

Synonyms

flashy, showy, tacky

Examples of usage

  • The gimcrack display caught the attention of shoppers.
  • He wore a gimcrack costume that looked good but wasnโ€™t practical.
  • Their gimcrack decorations made the event feel cluttered.

Translations

Translations of the word "gimcrack" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น futilidade

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคจเค•เคฒเฅ€

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Schein

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ tipu

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ั„ะฐะปัŒัˆะธะฒะบะฐ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ bzdura

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ่ฃ…้ฃพๅ“

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท futilitรฉ

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ cachivache

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท saรงmalฤฑk

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ํ—ˆ์„ธ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุฎุฏุงุน

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ fanfรกry

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ hlรบposลฅ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ่™šๅ‡

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ neumnost

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ hlรฆgรฐ

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะฐะปะดะฐะผัˆั‹ะปั‹า›

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒขแƒงแƒฃแƒ˜แƒšแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ gรถzdษ™n pษ™rdษ™ asmaq

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ futilidad

Etymology

The term 'gimcrack' originates from the early 17th century, deriving from the combination of 'gim' and 'crack', where 'gim' may relate to a form of trickery or something cunning. Initially, it referred to a small piece of jewelry or a trinket that appeared charming but was insubstantial in nature. The word reflects a broader cultural critique of ostentation and the fascination with ornamentation without substance. Over time, it evolved to encompass a wider array of items deemed lackluster, despite their superficial appeal. The term found its way into literature and speech, often used in a derogatory sense to highlight the disparity between appearance and real value.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #39,830, 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.