Birminghamize

== English == === Alternative forms === Birminghamise (non-Oxford British spelling) === Etymology === Attested since 1856, from Birmingham +‎ -ize. From the English city being known for cheap knock-off goods. Coined by Ralph Waldo Emerson. === Pronunciation === (Received Pronunciation) IPA(key): /ˈbɜː.mɪŋ.əmaɪz/ (General American) IPA(key): /ˈbɝ.mɪŋ.əmaɪz/ === Verb === Birminghamize (third-person singular simple present Birminghamizes, present participle Birminghamizing, simple past and past participle Birminghamized) (transitive, dated) To make ersatz [1856]. 1856, Ralph Waldo Emerson, English Traits, ch. Ⅴ – "Ability". “The manners and customs of society are artificial;—made-up men with made-up manners;—and thus the whole is Birminghamized, and we have a nation whose existence is a work of art;—a cold, barren, almost arctic isle being made the most fruitful, luxurious and imperial land in the whole earth.” === See also === brummagem === References ===