Bauble
/ˈbɔːbəl/noun
A small, showy, usually worthless ornament or trinket.
Did you know?Bauble entered English through French and was long associated with a jester’s staff ornament, so the word carries the old vibe of mockery, spectacle, and courtly foolishness.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*bā- / *bhab-
“An uncertain expressive root imitating speech or confusion (etymology ultimately debated).”
Old French
OF
baubel
“A trinket, toy, or showy trifle.”
Middle English
ME
baubel
“A trinket, toy, or foolish ornament; also a jester’s ornament.”
16th Century
English
bauble
“A trifling ornament or useless showy object.”
Modern English
English
bauble
“A small decorative ornament, especially one used on a Christmas tree.”