knick·knack
ˈniknak
noun
a small worthless object, especially a household ornament.
synonyms: trinket, novelty, gewgaw, bibelot, ornament,
trifle, bauble, gimcrack, curio, tchotchke, memento, souvenir
Confession time! I have a knick-knack fetish. These are the shelves in my dining area. As you can see, my taste runs to glassware, booze bottles (common in European culture; some are rare collectables), art plates, photo frames, books and souvenirs.
Yes, I love all my little baubles – many have sentimental value – except when having to dust them. Talk about a boring, time-consuming task! Next time, I’ll try doing it with full presence.
Confession #2: Sometimes, I merely swipe at them lackadaisically (another fun word!) with a feather duster. Looks good enough if you don’t get too close. 😉
Another knick-knack obsession is fridge magnets.
Some are souvenirs from our travels, while others have funny or cute sayings
This was a gift for Hubby, who’s been putting up with my German ways all these years.
He made some facetious comment about it and rolled his eyes. 😀
Frankenmuth is a picturesque German town in northern Michigan, U.S.A.
Then there’s the old nursery rhyme, which is unrelated to the above. Or is it?
This song’s origins are fairly obscure, but it may or may not have had something to do with the Irish potato famine. Folk singer Pete Seeger recorded it in 1953 and it appeared in the film, The Inn of the Sixth Happiness in 1958.
Etymology for the word “Knick-Knack” is also somewhat hazy:
Do you collect knick-knacks? If so, what kind?
Can you tell us anything about the origins of this nursery rhyme?
Originally published April 13, 2015 for the A to Z Challenge.
Updated June 6, 2022.
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Dog Mom and (retired) Canine Innkeeper in suburban Toronto, Canada, known as The Doglady. Former corporate workaholic. Writer, photographer, digital creator. Animal lover, music fanatic, inveterate traveller. Eternal hippie/rockchick. History, literature and cinema buff. Hockey and soccer fan. Dedicated night owl. German/Canadian binational, multilingual. Let me entertain you!
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12 thoughts on “OF KNICK-KNACKS & GIMCRACKS #LinguisticMusings”
I have a few knick-knacks but many went by the wayside since I moved several times. They do have a homey feeling to them because of the memories attached. I remember the nursery rhyme but knew nothing about it until I read your blog.
I’m glad I don’t have to move anywhere! 🙂 You’re right, most of our knick-knacks have memories attached. For example, the rare booze collection belonged to my late father-in-law. My husband brought them back from Italy.
Debbie, you have the coolest collection of neat stuff. I saw everything that matters.
Except for Bobble Heads. I did not see Bobble Heads. Do you have those in Canada?
Hahaha! I never got into bobbleheads, but yes, we do have them in Canada. 🙂
https://www.dolls2u.com/
Love you knick knacks Deb. Had to laugh at your dusting theory. I’m with you. LOL 🙂
Thanks! 🙂 Dusting is horrible grunt work, so I always look for shortcuts.
Wow, you have lots of of beautiful knick-knacks. My mother had many too, but not as many as you. Dusting would be a challenge indeed.
Have a fabulous day and week, Debbie. ♥
Half a century’s worth of stuff! 😀 Dusting them is a real pain, but the feather duster trick works in a pinch. Thanks for coming by, Sandee.
Yes, I have lots of ‘stuff’, mostly in a china cabinet. But I also have lots of magnets. Unfortunately, my fridge door is glass, so the magnets are now on my fireplace surround.
Oh yes, my china cabinet is full too! 😀 A glass-door fridge must look fabulous! At least you found an alternative place for the magnets.
Hi Debby – knick-knack is definitely a fun word … and used here quite a lot … your displays are of great interest – lots of talking points. I used to have a few wart-hogs … but most of them have gone now … I love a variety of art … but again many have gone and some need repairing … but I enjoy home being home. I love the tray – that’s a great present from your hubby. Fun post – thank you … cheers Hilary
Knick-knacks are fun and yes, a big part of that “home” feeling, for me. 🙂 Interesting about the wart-hogs! Souvenirs of your time in South Africa? I’m glad you enjoyed the post. Thanks for coming by, Hilary. Cheers!