Mummery: meaning, definitions and examples
๐ญ
mummery
[ หmสmษri ]
ritual performance
Mummery refers to a type of performance that involves elaborate disguises or masks and is often characterized by a mixture of play, dance, and mime. Originally, it was associated with ancient ritualistic performances intended to celebrate certain events or deities. These performances were often held during festivals or public gatherings. The term can also imply a sense of insincerity or pretentiousness when referring to people or actions that are overly showy without genuine substance.
Synonyms
masquerade, pageantry, puppetry, theatrical performance
Examples of usage
- The mummery performed during the festival captivated the audience.
- He dismissed their discussions as mere mummery, lacking any real argument.
- Children love to participate in the traditional mummery of Halloween.
- The historical play included scenes of mummery to represent ancient customs.
Translations
Translations of the word "mummery" in other languages:
๐ต๐น mummery
๐ฎ๐ณ เคฎเคฎเคฐเฅ
๐ฉ๐ช Mummerei
๐ฎ๐ฉ mummery
๐บ๐ฆ ะผัะผะตััั
๐ต๐ฑ mummery
๐ฏ๐ต ใใ ใชใผ
๐ซ๐ท mummery
๐ช๐ธ mummery
๐น๐ท mummery
๐ฐ๐ท ๋จธ๋จธ๋ฆฌ
๐ธ๐ฆ ู ูู ุฑู
๐จ๐ฟ mummery
๐ธ๐ฐ mummery
๐จ๐ณ ๆจไนไผ
๐ธ๐ฎ mummery
๐ฎ๐ธ mummery
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะผัะผะผะตัะธ
๐ฌ๐ช แแฃแแแ แ
๐ฆ๐ฟ mummery
๐ฒ๐ฝ mummery
Etymology
The word 'mummery' comes from the Middle English term 'mummerye', which itself draws from the word 'mummer', referring to a performer in a disguise or mask. Mummers were common in medieval England, often participating in folk plays or seasonal celebrations. The roots of 'mummer' can be traced back to the Late Latin term 'mummare', meaning 'to pretend to be a mummy', which reflects a connection to the idea of disguise and imitation. Over time, the term evolved to encompass not only the performances themselves but also a broader sense of theatricality and insincerity. In modern usage, 'mummery' can have a somewhat negative connotation, suggesting superficiality in acts that are ostentatious or lacking depth.