Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

tanyev

(48,155 posts)
10. Trumpery. All trumpery.
Fri Oct 24, 2025, 05:19 PM
Friday
trumpery
noun
trum·​pery
Synonyms of trumpery
1
a
: worthless nonsense
b
: trivial or useless articles : JUNK
a wagon loaded with household trumpery
—Washington Irving
2
archaic : tawdry finery
trumpery adjective

Trumpery derives from the Middle English trompery and ultimately from the Middle French tromper, meaning "to deceive." (You can see the meaning of this root reflected in the French phrase trompe-l'oeil-literally, "deceives the eye"-which in English refers to a style of painting with photographically realistic detail.) Trumpery first appeared in English in the mid-15th century with the meanings "deceit or fraud" (a sense that is now obsolete) and "worthless nonsense." Less than 100 years later, it was being applied to material objects of little or no value. The verb phrase trump up means "to concoct with the intent to deceive," but there is most likely no etymological connection between this phrase and trumpery.

https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/trumpery



Recommendations

0 members have recommended this reply (displayed in chronological order):

Latest Discussions»General Discussion»As if the ballroom wasn't...»Reply #10