Pronunciation: [flˈʌməɹi] (IPA) 
Flummery is a term that refers to a sweet dessert made from sweetened fruit pulp or cream mixed with gelatin. The word is spelled as /ˈflʌməri/ phonetically. The initial sound in the word is 'fl' pronounced as /fl/. The second sound is 'uh' pronounced as /ʌ/. The next sound is 'm' pronounced as /m/. The final sound is 'eh-ree' pronounced as /əri/. The word can sometimes be misspelled as "flumery" or "flamery."
Flummery is an unusual and often obsolete term that can have several related meanings depending on the context.
In its most basic sense, flummery refers to a type of soft, sweet dish made from starch, often flavored with fruit or other ingredients, and resembling a custard or pudding. This definition is primarily found in historical contexts, particularly in British culinary traditions of the 17th and 18th centuries. Flummery was a popular dessert made from oatmeal or wheat cooked with milk and then sweetened with sugar or honey. It would solidify into a gelatinous consistency when cooled.
In a more figurative sense, flummery can be used to describe empty compliments, exaggerated or insincere praise, or excessive flattery. It refers to words or behavior that are intended to deceive or manipulate others, often through the use of exaggerated or extravagant language. In this sense, flummery is often associated with insincerity, pretentiousness, or empty or false promises.
Additionally, flummery can also refer to a sense of confusion, nonsense, or absurdity. It may describe something that is frivolous, foolish, or lacking substance, often implying that it is deceptive or meaningless.
Overall, flummery is a versatile term with various historical and figurative meanings, encompassing ideas of gelatinous dessert, insincere flattery, and nonsensical or meaningless behavior.
A kind of food made from the husks of oats steeped in water, called in Scotland sowens; a light kind of food; empty compliment; mere flattery.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "flummery" has an interesting etymology. It originated from the Middle English term "flomery", which was derived from the Old French word "flaume" meaning "saffron". "Flaume" itself can be traced back to the Latin word "flammeum", meaning "bridal veil" or "ceremonial garment".
Originally, "flummery" referred to a type of sweet, porridge-like dish made from boiling oatmeal or wheatmeal in water or milk. Over time, the meaning of the word expanded to include any kind of soft, bland, or insubstantial food that lacked substance or flavor. It may have been associated with saffron due to the yellowish hue saffron gives to food, hence the original Middle English term "flomery" derived from "flaume" meaning saffron.
