Bibelot

/ˈbɪbəloʊ/ noun

Definition

A small decorative object or trinket; a pretty but relatively worthless item kept for ornament.

Etymology

From French 'bibelot,' origin uncertain but possibly from French 'bib' (a plaything) or derived from child-language reduplication. Entered English in the 19th century.

Kelly Says

Bibelot is French snobbery captured in one word—it describes decorative objects with a hint that they're fashionable but essentially useless, revealing how languages embed cultural attitudes.

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