Editor's Corner

Some days, I look at the Merriam-Webster word of the day and say, “that’s nice.” Other days, I click the link because I’m unfamiliar with the word and I want to know more. And still other days, I come across a word like this: tchotchke. Here’s M-W definition:

Tchotchke refers to a small object used for decoration. It’s a synonym of knickknack and trinket.

Now I know what a tchotchke is, but dang. Do I know how to spell it? No. I probably would have taken a stab at it and spelled it “chotchkey.” It’s one of those words that you hear more often than you see it spelled, or at least that’s the case for me.

So, in my reading about tchotchkes, I discovered some other words we have for miscellaneous junk and I thought I’d share them with you. I am including links to pronunciation for some of them.

· tchotchke (n.)ˈchäch-kə

knickknack, trinket

· knickknack (n.)

a small trivial article usually intended for ornament

· doodad (n.)

1: an ornamental attachment or decoration

2: an often small article whose common name is unknown or forgotten : gadget

· gewgaw (n.) ˈg(y)ü-(ˌ)gȯ

a showy trifle : bauble, trinket

· gimcrack (n.)ˈjim-ˌkrak

[KC – What you see when somebody’s athletic shorts fall down.]
M-W – a showy object of little use or value

· bauble (n.)

1: a small ornament (such as a jewel or ring)

2: a small article of equipment

3: a thing of little value : trifle

· trifle (n.)

something of little value, substance, or importance

· bibelot(n.)ˈbē-bə-ˌlō

a small household ornament or decorative object : trinket

· kickshaw

1: a fancy dish : delicacy

2: trinket, gewgaw

The background of kickshaw is kind of interesting because it is based on a late 16th century misunderstanding of the French term quelque chose which means “something.” More from M-W:

In line with the French pronunciation of the day, the "l" was dropped and the word was anglicized as "kickshaws" or "kickshoes." English speakers soon lost all consciousness of the word’s French origin and, by taking "kickshaws" as plural, created the new singular noun "kickshaw."

And some history on these many words for “a little something,” also from M-W:

Bauble appears to be the oldest among the group, with known evidence of usage dating back to the 14th century. The earliest available evidence of gewgaw and kickshaw is from the 16th century, whereas gimcrack and knickknack established themselves in the 17th century. Tchotchke, borrowed from Yiddish, is by far the most recent addition to our language, first appearing as an English word in the 20th century.

Well, there you have it. I know, I wander to and fro; it’s amazing I know where I am half of the time! Enjoy your day and try not to pick up too many tchotchkes!

Kara Church | Technical Editor, Advisory | Technical Publications

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