Thin strips of shiny metal or metallic material used as decoration, especially during holidays.
From Old French 'estincele' meaning 'spark', related to Latin 'scintilla'. Originally described genuine silver or gold thread used in expensive fabrics before becoming associated with cheaper, flashy imitations.
Tinsel was once so valuable it was made from real silver and carefully saved year after year. The shift to aluminum in the 20th century transformed it from precious decoration to disposable sparkle, perfectly embodying our throwaway culture.
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