brummagem

[ bruhm-uh-juhm ]

/ ˈbrʌm ə dʒəm /

Save This Word!

See synonyms for brummagem on Thesaurus.com

adjective

showy but inferior and worthless.

noun

a showy but inferior and worthless thing.

QUIZ

CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?

Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of brummagem

First recorded in 1675–85; local variant of Birmingham, England (compare Bromwichham, Bromecham (17th century), Middle English Burmingeham ); originally in allusion to counterfeit coins produced there in the 17th century

Words nearby brummagem

Brumaire, brumal, brumation, brumby, brume, brummagem, Brummell, Brummie, brunch, brunch coat, Brundisium

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use brummagem in a sentence

This of course must be laid to the credit of the local supporters of "the noble art of self-defence," the Brummagem bruisers.
Showell's Dictionary of Birmingham|Thomas T. Harman and Walter Showell
As soon as his baggage had been taken to the public hall, Roebelin got out beads, wire, and Brummagem jewellery.
The Woodlands Orchids|Frederick Boyle
But a mere Brummagem article that won't stand wear is quite valueless in their eyes.
Life of John Coleridge Patteson|Charlotte M. Yonge
A Kru boy welcomed them with beaming face and fetched them drinks upon a Brummagem tray.
A Millionaire of Yesterday|E. Phillips Oppenheim

A superb disorder of trumpery brummagem cutlery, stuffs, firearms and pots and pans clutter the ground in every direction.
In the Land of Mosques & Minarets|Francis Miltoun

British Dictionary definitions for brummagem

Brummagem

/ (ˈbrʌmədʒəm) /

noun

an informal name for Birmingham Often shortened to: Brum

(sometimes not capital) something that is cheap and flashy, esp imitation jewellery

adjective

(sometimes not capital) cheap and gaudy; tawdry

Word Origin for Brummagem

C17: from earlier Bromecham, local variant of Birmingham

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