gimcrack
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈɡɪm.kræk/
KK: /ˈgɪm.kræk/
adjective
Definition
Something that is cheap and of poor quality, often gaudy or showy in appearance.
Example
The store was filled with gimcrack items that no one wanted to buy.
Conversation
Did you see those gimcrack souvenirs at the fair?
Yeah, they looked so cheap and tacky!
I can't believe people actually buy that stuff.
Right? It's like they just want something to fill their shelves.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
tawdry
shoddy
gaudy
Antonyms
elegant
tasteful
refined
noun
Definition
A cheap and flashy item that is not very useful or valuable.
Example
The store was filled with gimcracks that no one really needed.
Conversation
Did you see that gimcrack they were selling at the market yesterday?
Yeah, it looked flashy but completely useless!
I can't believe people actually buy such gimcrack.
Root Explanation
Gimcrack originates from the 17th-century English term 'gimcrack', which is believed to be a combination of 'gim' (possibly from 'gimble', meaning to make a hole or pierce) and 'crack' (meaning a trick or a clever device). The word refers to a showy but worthless object or a clever trick.
Memory Tip
Think of 'gim' as something that 'pierces' or catches your eye, and 'crack' as a clever trick — together, they help you remember that a gimcrack is something that looks impressive but is ultimately worthless.
Visually Confused Words
No commonly confused words.