knickknack

A knickknack is a small decorative object, such as a little statue of a dog or a bobblehead.

A knickknack is any keepsake, trinket, ornament, figure, or display piece that you own just to display it. Knickknacks can include small statues or figures, novelty candles or cups, and small toys. They can also include plastic figures based on pop culture, fidget devices such as cubes and spinners, stress balls, paperweights, and display boxes. Because knickknacks don’t take up much space, you generally don’t notice them much until you have so many that they clutter your space.

Knickknacks are similar to gimcracks, which are showy, useless items, and the terms are often used interchangeably. The term bric-a-brac, another similar term, refers to small items that are collected for sentimental value, as a hobby, or for decorative purposes.

Example: Every time I go to a garage sale, I come home with more knickknacks that clutter my shelves.

The first records of the term knickknack come from around the 1610s. It is formed by reduplication, that is, adding a repeated or doubled element to the original element. Knack once meant “a toy or trinket.” It is unclear where knack comes from.

In English, reduplication is one way we have fun with language, focusing on the sound of the original word. Other examples include willy-nilly (meaning in a disorganized manner), super-duper (meaning extremely good), and wishy-washy (meaning lacking decisiveness). Sometimes we use reduplication to emphasize something, as in Kasia doesn’t just like Jamal, she like-likes him. Because of its playful nature, reduplication words like knickknacks tend to be used only casually.

What are some other forms related to knickknack?

• knickknacked (adjective)
• knickknacky (adjective)

What are some synonyms for knickknack?

• bauble
• bric-a-brac
• curio
• ornament
• souvenir

What are some words that share a root or word element with knickknack?

• knack

What are some words that often get used in discussing knickknack?

• clutter
• decoration
• junk
• useless

Knickknack is most commonly used in casual conversations and writing.

I love a trinket. I love a knickknack. LOVE a bauble.

— Meghan Tonjes (@meghantonjes) July 30, 2020

I really love visiting…what to call them? Thrift stores, “vintage” shops, knickknack emporia…?

What phrase do you use for a place that sells this kind of stuff?

I never buy anything but I love to look.

— Gretchen Rubin (@gretchenrubin) June 28, 2019

It’s 1882, what should I get my gal? A keepsake, a notion, a doodad, a curio, a knickknack, a fandangle, or a bric-a-brac? #AMillionWays

— #AMillionWays (@AMillionWays) May 29, 2014

Which of the following is NOT a synonym for knickknack?

A. souvenir
B. trinket
C. pudding
D. curio