nicknack
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: A small, decorative object or trinket, typically of little monetary value but considered interesting or ornamental. It often refers to miscellaneous curios or bric-a-brac collected or displayed for their novelty or sentimental appeal.
Usage
The word "nicknack" (also commonly spelled "knickknack") is used to describe a variety of small, often ornamental items. These items are usually not essential but are kept for decoration, hobby, or personal interest. - It functions as a countable noun. - It often appears in the plural form ("nicknacks") because such items are frequently collected or displayed in groups.
Examples
- Noun:
- The shelves were cluttered with little nicknacks from their travels.
- She has a collection of porcelain nicknacks on her mantelpiece.
- I bought a few cheap nicknacks at the flea market.
Advanced Usage
- "a nicknack shelf/table": A piece of furniture specifically used for displaying such curios.
- The antique nicknack shelf held dozens of tiny figurines.
- Used to imply something is trivial or non-essential.
- His argument was full of intellectual nicknacks but lacked a solid core.
Variants and Related Words
- Knickknack: The more common alternate spelling of "nicknack." The meaning is identical.
- Trinket: A synonym, often implying a small piece of jewelry or ornament.
- Bauble: A showy but worthless ornament or trinket.
- Curio: A rare, unusual, or intriguing object, often with more value or historical interest than a typical nicknack.
- Bric-a-brac: A collective term for small miscellaneous decorative objects.
Synonyms
- Trinket
- Bauble
- Ornament
- Curiosity
- Gewgaw
- Tchotchke (informal, from Yiddish)
Antonyms
- Essential
- Necessity
- Heirloom (implies significant value, often opposite to a trivial nicknack)
- Masterpiece
Idioms and Phrases
- "Nicknacks and trinkets": A common paired phrase emphasizing a collection of small decorative items.
- The stall was selling all sorts of nicknacks and trinkets.
- "Full of nicknacks": Describing a space that is densely decorated with many small objects.
- Her living room is cozy but full of nicknacks.