gewgaw

== English == === Alternative forms === geegaw gew-gaw gee-gaw === Etymology === From earlier gugaw, gygaw, from Middle English givegove (“gewgaw, trifle”), a reduplication of Middle English give, geove (“gift”), from Old English giefu, geofu, geafu (“gift”), from Proto-Germanic *gebō (“gift”). Compare Icelandic gyligjöf (“showy gifts, gewgaw”). More at give. === Pronunciation === (UK) IPA(key): /ˈɡjuːɡɔː/ (General American) IPA(key): /ˈɡuɡɔ/, (cot–caught merger) /ˈɡuɡɑ/ === Noun === gewgaw (plural gewgaws) A showy trifle, a toy; a showy trinket, ornament or decoration. [from 15th c.] 1951, Isaac Asimov, Foundation (1974 Panther Books Ltd publication), part V: “The Merchant Princes”, chapter 11, page 163, ¶¶ 2–4: “I am not of the neighbourhood,” said Mallow, calmly, “but the matter is irrelevant. I have had the honour to send you a little gift yesterday ——” [¶] The tech-man’s nose lifted. “I received it. An interesting gewgaw. I may have use for it on occasion.” [¶] I have other and more interesting gifts. Quite out of the gewgaw stage.” ==== Derived terms ==== ==== Translations ==== === Adjective === gewgaw (not comparable) Showy; unreal; pretentious. ==== Synonyms ==== gewgawish ==== Derived terms ==== Jew's harp (possibly)