flummery

== English == === Etymology === Borrowed from Welsh llymru (“a sour jelly derived from boiled oatmeal”), of uncertain origin, perhaps related to llymrig (“slippery”). For phonetic development, compare origin of Floyd. === Pronunciation === IPA(key): /ˈflʌməɹi/ === Noun === flummery (countable and uncountable, plural flummeries) A custard; any of several bland, gelatinous foodstuffs, usually made from stewed fruit and thickened with oatmeal, cornstarch or flour. (historical, specifically) A slightly tart, jelly-like food of Welsh origin, made from extensively boiling oats, then boiling down the liquid extracted from it. Empty or meaningless talk, especially when used to flatter. Synonym: jive Pretentious trappings, useless ornaments used to impress. Deceptive or blustering speech. 1940, Rex Stout, Over My Dead Body "Pfui! This is flummery!" ==== Descendants ==== → German: Flammeri === Interjection === flummery An expression of contemptuous disbelief.