gimcrackery
Worthless showy objects
Gimcrackery is the quality of being cheap, showy, and worthless—or a collection of such things.
The word suggests tacky ornamentation, flimsy construction, and superficial appeal: The souvenir shop was full of gimcrackery.
It can describe physical objects or, figuratively, ideas or arguments that look impressive but lack substance.
Showy, worthless ornament
- knickknackSmall decorative object
- tchotchkeSmall decorative trifle
- gewgawCheap showy ornament
- doodadUnnamed small object
curio · novelty · bric-a-brac · whatnot · ornament · figurine · souvenir · memento
Showy, worthless adornment
- fluffLight, soft fibers
- trivialityUnimportant small matter
- superficialityAbsence of meaningful depth
- frivolousnessLack of due seriousness
insubstantiality · flimsiness · emptiness · shallowness · vapidity · trifles · inconsequence · falderal
Vulgar or slightly sticky
- gaudyTastelessly ornate
- garishTastelessly showy
- tastelessHaving no flavor
- tawdryCheaply ornate and vulgar
schlock · cheesy · camp · vulgar · ostentatious · flashy · overdone · kitschy
Of poor craftsmanship
- flimsyWeak and easily damaged
- inferiorOf lower rank
- substandardBelow required quality
- low-gradeOf poor quality
second-rate · junky · shabby · cut-rate · bargain-basement · knockoff · imitation · worthless
bauble
Showy, worthless ornament
- knickknackSmall decorative object
- tchotchkeSmall decorative trifle
- gewgawCheap showy ornament
doodad · curio · novelty · bric-a-brac · whatnot · ornament · figurine · souvenir · memento · keepsake
frippery
Showy, worthless adornment
- fluffLight, soft fibers
- trivialityUnimportant small matter
- superficialityAbsence of meaningful depth
frivolousness · insubstantiality · flimsiness · emptiness · shallowness · vapidity · trifles · inconsequence · falderal · froth
tacky
Vulgar or slightly sticky
tawdry · schlock · cheesy · camp · vulgar · ostentatious · flashy · overdone · kitschy · glitzy
shoddy
Of poor craftsmanship
- flimsyWeak and easily damaged
- inferiorOf lower rank
- substandardBelow required quality
low-grade · second-rate · junky · shabby · cut-rate · bargain-basement · knockoff · imitation · worthless · valueless
claptrap
Insincere, pretentious language
- balderdashSenseless talk or writing
- folderolTrivial or senseless matter
- poppycockFoolish or meaningless talk
hogwash · bunk · drivel · twaddle · rubbish · bunkum · malarkey · tommyrot · baloney · hooey
gimcrackerycraftsmanship
Skill in making objects
quality · artisanship · masterwork · durability · heirloom quality
gimcrackeryelegance
Refined, graceful quality
refinement · sophistication · classic style · restraint · minimalism
gimcrackerysubstance
Physical material with mass
treasure · valuables · essentials · genuine articles · the real thing