amphigory
[am-fi-gawr-ee, -gohr-ee]
- a meaningless or nonsensical piece of writing, especially one intended as a parody.
Show More
Also amphigouri.
Origin of amphigory
1800–10; < French amphigouri, equivalent to amphi- amphi- + gouri; perhaps modeled on French equivalent of phantasmagoria
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
amphigory
amphigouri (ˈæmfɪˌɡʊərɪ)
- a piece of nonsensical writing in verse or, less commonly, prose
Show More
Word Origin
C19: from French amphigouri, of unknown origin
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Word Origin and History for amphigory
n.
1809, "burlesque nonsense writing or verse," from French amphigouri, of unknown origin, perhaps from Greek amphi- (see amphi-) + gyros "circle," thus "circle on both sides," or second element may be from Greek -agoria "speech" (cf. allegory, category). Related: Amphigoric.
Show More
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper