Tinsel: meaning, definitions and examples
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tinsel
[ ˈtɪn.səl ]
decorative material
Tinsel is a type of material that is often used for decoration, especially during festive seasons such as Christmas. It consists of thin strips of shiny metal or plastic that reflect light, creating a sparkling effect. Generally, tinsel is draped or hung on trees, mantelpieces, or other areas to enhance their appearance. It can come in various colors and textures, adding a layer of visual interest to decorations.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The Christmas tree was adorned with colorful tinsel.
- They hung tinsel around the room for the party.
- After the holidays, we carefully stored the tinsel away.
Translations
Translations of the word "tinsel" in other languages:
🇵🇹 fita
🇮🇳 रुई
🇩🇪 Lametta
🇮🇩 hiasan
🇺🇦 блискітки
🇵🇱 błyszcząca wstążka
🇯🇵 テンスル
🇫🇷 guirlande
🇪🇸 serpentina
🇹🇷 süs
🇰🇷 장식용 금속 실
🇸🇦 تزيين
🇨🇿 stužka
🇸🇰 stužka
🇨🇳 闪光带
🇸🇮 okrasni trak
🇮🇸 skreytingar
🇰🇿 безен
🇬🇪 მორთულობა
🇦🇿 bəzək
🇲🇽 serpentina
Etymology
The word 'tinsel' originates from the Middle English word 'tinsele,' which is derived from the Old French word 'estincele.' The term has evolved over centuries, initially relating to a type of thin metallic material used in decoration. The concept of tinsel as we know it today started to emerge in the late 16th century, where it was used in European decorations during festive seasons. With the development of manufacturing processes, tinsel became widely available and was adopted in various cultures for its appealing reflective qualities. By the 19th century, tinsel had become particularly popular in the Christmas celebrations in Western societies, symbolizing festivity and joy.