29 Aug
2005
29 Aug
'05
12:50 p.m.
Paul Koning wrote:
I've heard it applied to other objects, probably wrongly,
such as a boat made from beef bones.
>>>>"Kevin" == Kevin Handy <kth at srv.net> writes:
>>>>
>>>>
>> I didn't realize it was so
disparaging. I meant more like gewgaw,
>> knickknack, a nice toy that I don't need but is very nice.
>>
>>
> Don't forget bric-a-brac and whatnot.
>
> How many words are there in the English language to describe
> quaint but useless crap and what does that say about our culture?
Kevin> Scrimshaw is probably a less generic term (i.e. nautical
Kevin> knickknancks), but still covers a lot of ground.
Not even close. Scrimshaw very specifically means engravings on
ivory, traditionally made by sailors on sailing ships in their spare
time. It doesn't mean knickknacks or anything like it; it refers to
a category of art.