Definition

Noun: 1. Empty compliments or flattery; meaningless or deceptive talk or ceremony: Refers to speech or behavior that is insincere, excessively flattering, or devoid of real substance. 2. (Historical/Archaic) A type of bland, soft dessert or pudding, especially one made from oatmeal or stewed fruit: Refers to a simple, often jellied or custard-like food.

Usage and Examples

• As insincere praise or nonsense:
  • The politician's speech was pure flummery, full of promises he had no intention of keeping.
  • I'm tired of the flummery and want to hear some honest feedback.
• As a type of food (archaic):
  • The historical recipe described a sweet flummery made with cream and rosewater.
  • In some regions, a simple oatmeal flummery was a common dish.

Advanced Usage and Notes

• The term is now almost exclusively used in its figurative sense (meaning 1) to criticize language or behavior that is foolish, deceptive, or overly ornate but empty.
• The food-related meaning (meaning 2) is considered archaic or historical. When used today in this sense, it is typically in a historical or culinary context.

Variants and Related Words

• Flummeries (plural noun): The plural form.
  • We were served various traditional flummeries at the medieval banquet.

Synonyms and Antonyms

• Synonyms (for meaning 1): Nonsense, gibberish, balderdash, claptrap, bombast, empty talk, flattery, blarney.
• Antonyms (for meaning 1): Truth, sincerity, substance, candor, frankness.

Idioms and Phrases

• While not a common component of modern idioms, the word itself is used idiomatically to dismiss speech as worthless.
  • "Don't listen to his flummery; he's just trying to impress you."

Noun

1. meaningless ceremonies and flattery
2. a bland custard or pudding especially of oatmeal