Trumpery
/ˈtrʌmpəri/noun
Showy but worthless stuff; nonsense or deceitful nonsense.
Did you know?In early modern English, trumpery could describe cheap, flashy objects or deceptive nonsense, making it a perfect word for calling out appearance without substance.
Etymological Timeline
Late Middle English
English
trumperie
“Showy trifles; deceitful nonsense”
Middle French
FR
tromperie
“Deception, trickery”
Old French
FR
tromper
“To deceive, delude”
Possibly Frankish / Germanic influence
PGmc
*trump-
“Likely a base associated with making a noise or a blow, though the exact path is uncertain”
Modern English
English
trumpery
“Worthless finery; nonsense; rubbish”