Gewgawy

/ˈɡuːɡɔː/ adjective

Definition

Covered with or characterized by gewgaws; full of showy, cheap, or useless ornaments and trinkets.

Etymology

From 'gewgaw,' a word of unknown but possibly onomatopoetic origin meaning a cheap trinket. The -y suffix converts the noun to an adjective. The term emerged in English around the 16th century, possibly influenced by reduplication.

Kelly Says

Language is full of words born from silly sounds—'gewgaw' is probably onomatopoetic, mimicking the sound cheap trinkets make when they jingle together, which is why it perfectly captures that chaotic, junky feeling!

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.