How Do You Spell GEWGAW?

Pronunciation: [d͡ʒjˈuːɡɔː] (IPA)

The word "gewgaw" is spelled with a unique combination of letters that may cause confusion for some readers. The IPA phonetic transcription of this word helps explain its spelling: /ˈɡɛɡɔː/. The first two letters, "ge," represent the soft "g" sound, while the "w" at the end is silent. The repeated letter "g" is pronounced with a hard "g" sound, and the vowel sound in the middle is a short "e." Despite its unusual spelling, "gewgaw" refers to something that is showy but ultimately worthless, such as a trinket or bauble.

GEWGAW Meaning and Definition

1. Gewgaw is a noun that refers to a small, showy, and often cheap or worthless trinket or ornament, typically used for decoration or personal adornment. It is derived from the Old Norse word "ggagg," which means small ornament or toy.

   The term gewgaw is often used to describe items that are visually appealing but lack any real significance or value. These objects are typically gaudy, trivial, and have little practical use. They are often seen as novelty items or cultural artifacts associated with a certain time period or region.

   Gewgaws can encompass a wide range of objects, such as costume jewelry, keychains, small figurines, or even decorative items used to adorn clothing or accessories. They are usually characterized by their bright colors, intricate designs, and superficial attractiveness.

   The term can also be used metaphorically to describe something that is flashy or superficially attractive but lacking in substance or importance. In this context, it is often used to criticize or dismiss something as trivial, insignificant, or shallow.

   Overall, gewgaw refers to small, decorative items that are visually pleasing but lack any real value or significance. Whether used literally or metaphorically, it denotes something that is superficial, insubstantial, and lacking in practical purpose or deeper meaning.

2. • Showy, but of no value.

   • A showy trifle; a toy; a bauble.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for GEWGAW

• gegan
• gawgaw
• geggaw
• gergal
• gbwdaw
• mewtaw
• Kewinaw
• goewgaw
• Gengah
• Googan
• Goolaa

Etymology of GEWGAW

The word "gewgaw" is believed to have originated from the Middle English term "gugaw", which first appeared in the 15th century. It derived from the French word "gaudgaud", a playful reduplication of "gaud", meaning a showy or ostentatious ornament. The French term came from Old French "gaudir", meaning to rejoice or enjoy oneself, ultimately tracing back to the Latin word "gaudere" with the same meaning. Over time, "gugaw" gradually transformed into "gewgaw", which refers to a small, worthless trinket or decorative item, often used as an ornament or a novelty.

Plural form of GEWGAW is GEWGAWS