Knockoff

/ˈnɑkɔf/ noun

Definition

A cheap, inferior copy or imitation of something valuable or well-known.

Etymology

From the verb phrase 'knock off,' meaning to stop work or to make quickly and cheaply. The noun form emerged in the mid-20th century to describe mass-produced fake goods.

Kelly Says

The term 'knockoff' beautifully captures the spirit of fast capitalism—'knock off' originally meant to quickly stop or produce something hastily, and it perfectly describes the rushed, inferior copies that flood markets today.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

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