garden gnome

Bearded yard statue

A garden gnome is a small decorative statue depicting a bearded dwarf figure, typically wearing a pointed cap and placed in yards or gardens.

The figures originated in 19th-century Germany and remain popular as lawn ornaments, though some consider them kitschy: Their front yard was crowded with garden gnomes and plastic flamingos.

ornament

lawn

Tended yard grass

  • yardLinear measure or grounds
  • patioPaved outdoor living space
  • decorRoom's visual arrangement

decoration · figurine · ceramic · terracotta · porcelain · statue · sculpture · landscape · planter · flowerbed

folklore

dwarf

Diminutive folkloric being

  • elfSmall magical creature
  • koboldGermanic folklore sprite
  • spriteTiny magical creature

pixie · troll · gnomish · mythic · Germanic · elemental · fairy tale · legend · fable · lore

whimsy

playful

Inclined toward fun

mischievous · impish · whimsy · lighthearted · amusing · sprightly · jaunty · elfin · pointy hat · red cap

kitsch

tacky

Vulgar or slightly sticky

  • campyEntertainingly artificial and overblown
  • gaudyTastelessly ornate
  • cheesyCheap and insincere

tasteless · kitschy · chintzy · garish · schlocky · trite · cliched · novelty · retro · vintage

Categories
Opposites
garden ornamentation style

garden gnomeminimalist sculpture

Pared-down three-dimensional artwork

zen garden · classical statue · water feature

cultural taste/class signifier

garden gnomebronze sculpture

Cast copper-tin artwork

understated elegance · minimalist design · high art

yard figure function

garden gnomescarecrow

Decoy to frighten birds

gargoyle · security camera · no trespassing sign

Family

garden, gardening, gardens, gardener, gnome, gardeners, gardened, gardenless, gardenlike

Familiarity
Top 100,000
Profile
Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Positive · Everyday, not technical · Rated G