Bric-A-Brac
/ˌbrɪk.əˈbræk/noun
Miscellaneous decorative objects of little practical use, often old or ornamental.
Did you know?The term came into English through French in the 19th century and was originally used for odds and ends, with no occult meaning at all—though it later became perfect for describing collections that feel enchanted or haunted.
Etymological Timeline
French onomatopoeic formation
French
bric-à-brac
“Odds and ends; miscellaneous small objects”
19th Century
English
bric-a-brac
“Decorative trinkets or miscellaneous curios”
Modern English
English
bric-a-brac
“Small decorative objects, especially ones collected or displayed as curiosities”
19th Century
French
bric-à-brac
“A jumble of assorted items”