kickshaw
noun
kick·shaw ˈkik-ˌshȯ 
1
: a fancy dish : delicacy
2
: trinket, gewgaw
Did you know?
Kickshaw began its career in the late 16th century as a borrowing from the French quelque chose - literally, "something." In line with the French pronunciation of the day, the "l" was dropped and the word was anglicized as "kickshaws" or "kickshoes." English speakers soon lost all consciousness of the word’s French origin and, by taking "kickshaws" as plural, created the new singular noun "kickshaw."
Synonyms
- bauble
- bibelot
- curio
- curiosity
- doodad
- gaud
- gewgaw
- geegaw
- gimcrack
- knickknack
- nicknack
- novelty
- ornamental
- tchotchke
- trinket
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
a display case in the antiques shop filled with costume jewelry and various kickshaws from the 1920s the company's holiday party always features an array of artfully confected kickshaws
Word History
Etymology
by folk etymology from French quelque chose something
First Known Use
1597, in the meaning defined at sense 1
kickshaw
noun
1
as in ornamental
a small object displayed for its attractiveness or interest a display case in the antiques shop filled with costume jewelry and various kickshaws from the 1920s Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- ornamental
- gimcrack
- gewgaw
- bibelot
- knickknack
- ornament
- gaud
- bauble
- souvenir
- novelty
- trinket
- tchotchke
- doodad
- curio
- trifle
- bagatelle
- geegaw
- collectible
- nicknack
- gimcrackery
- trumpery
- curiosity
- collectable
- bijouterie
- memento
- trinketry
- bric-a-brac
- virtu
- keepsake
- objet
- figurine
- vertu
- conversation piece
- objet d'art
- collector's item
2
as in treat
something that is pleasing to eat because it is rare or a luxury the company's holiday party always features an array of artfully confected kickshaws Synonyms & Similar Words
- treat
- dainty
- delectable
- sweet
- candy
- cate
- viand
- goody
- titbit
- delicacy
- bit
- sweetmeat
- tidbit
- morsel
- dessert
- goodie
- junket
