pinchbeck
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈpɪnʧbɛk/
KK: /ˈpɪnʧbɛk/
adjective
Definition
Describing something that is fake or not genuine, often used to refer to imitation materials or objects.
Example
The jewelry was made of pinchbeck, looking like gold but actually being a cheap imitation.
Conversation
Did you see that new jewelry store downtown?
Yeah, I went in there, but most of it looked a bit pinchbeck to me.
I thought so too; it felt like they were just imitating real designs.
Exactly! I prefer to look for something more authentic.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
fake
sham
false
Antonyms
genuine
authentic
real
noun
Definition
A material or object that looks like gold but is actually made from a mixture of metals, often used to make cheap jewelry or items that are not genuine.
Example
The ring was made of pinchbeck, so it wasn't real gold.
Conversation
I found this old necklace at a thrift store, but I think it might be pinchbeck.
Really? It looks nice, but how can you tell?
Well, I read that pinchbeck is often used to imitate gold in jewelry.
Root Explanation
Pinchbeck is derived from the name of the English inventor Christopher Pinchbeck, who created a type of brass that resembled gold. The term 'pinchbeck' refers to this imitation gold, thus meaning a cheap substitute for something valuable.
Memory Tip
Think of Christopher Pinchbeck, who made a metal that looked like gold but was not real. This helps you remember that 'pinchbeck' refers to something that is a cheap imitation of something valuable.
Visually Confused Words
No commonly confused words.