flummery
1
9.9
- noun
- /ˈfləməri/
- Archaic
- The extravagant decorations at the event were nothing but flummery, designed to impress but lacking any real meaning.
Examples
-
It's all flummery.
-
Oh, don't talk such flummery!
-
It is also true that some explanations are just flummery and others are half-truths.
Blog text (12) -
The name has been prominent since the first appearance of Grierson's anthology in 1921, and famous since Eliot sought amongst metaphysical poetry the hard antidote for flummery.
Academic text (2012) -
During the ceremony, the speaker's flummery about the project's success left many attendees feeling skeptical.
-
His speech was filled with flummery, as he repeatedly praised the committee without offering any substantial insights.
Synonyms
28
5.1
A showy display meant to attract attention
11
7.9
A way of behaving that tries to show you are better than other people
4
6.8
Showy decoration that looks attractive but has little real value
2
8.3
Claims that exaggerate product benefits and are not meant literally
1
9.9
Small decorative things that are fancy and not useful
1
6.5
A style that is very bright or richly decorated to attract attention
1
9.9
Ceremonies that are showy, seem fake, and have no real meaning
1
5.4
A performance that tries to get attention by being loud or dramatic
1
9.1
A way of behaving that shows off wealth or style to impress others
1
9.9
A false friendliness that tries to please or impress people
1
9.9
Excessive praise that feels fake and forced
Something that looks bright and attractive but has no real value
Antonyms
How Sincere
Surface Forms
Etymology
Flummery also means 'empty praise' or showy ceremony because people compared weak, tasteless pudding to praise that has no real value, and the name moved from the food to mean hollow flattery.