gewgaw
|gew-gaw|
C2
🇺🇸
/ˈɡjuːˌɡɔ/
🇬🇧
/ˈɡjuːˌɡɔː/
showy trinket
Etymology
Etymology Information
'gewgaw' originates from Middle English, specifically the word 'geuegaw,' where 'geue' meant 'to give' and 'gaw' was a reduplication for emphasis.
Historical Evolution
'geuegaw' transformed into the modern English word 'gewgaw' through phonetic simplification.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'a gift or present,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a showy but worthless trinket.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a showy but worthless or useless trinket or ornament.
The shop was filled with gewgaws that caught the eye but served no real purpose.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:45