Chinesery

/ˈtʃaɪnəzəri/ noun

Definition

Ornamental items, art, or designs supposedly in the Chinese style; often used dismissively to refer to fake or overly decorated imitations of Chinese aesthetics.

Etymology

From 'Chinese' plus '-ery' (a suffix meaning 'things related to' or 'a collection of'), similar to words like 'crockery' and 'drapery'; became common during European fascination with Asian goods.

Kelly Says

Chinesery captures the 18th-century European obsession with 'Chinoiserie'—wealthy people bought fake Asian stuff they believed was exotic, creating an entire market for beautiful fakes!

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