bric-a-brac

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "bric-a-brac" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to decorative items of little value, often of an antique or sentimental nature. For example: "The old woman's house was filled with an array of bric-a-brac, nothing of which was worth much money but had emotional value to her."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Travel

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

They're part of the bric-a-brac.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Souvenir shops hawk Anne bric-a-brac.

The New York Times

She collected trinkets and bric-a-brac.

The New York Times

Enormous collections of porcelain and bric-a-brac.

The New York Times

It's bursting at the seams with bric-a-brac.

The Guardian - Film

Amongst that bric-a-brac was a Hoover.

The Guardian - Books

His bric-a-brac marvels are utterly contemporary.

The Guardian - Arts

The bric-a-brac approach to storytelling suits McGregor well.

The Guardian - Books

"My head is full of absurd bric-a-brac".

The Guardian - Books

She seemed pleased by its inconspicuousness, installed like bric-a-brac in the busy room.

The New Yorker

There are piles of dolls, stuffed animals, ceramic bric-a-brac.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "bric-a-brac" when you want to describe a collection of small, often decorative, items that may or may not have significant monetary value. It is particularly useful in describing interiors, market stalls, or collections of memorabilia.

Common error

While "bric-a-brac" is a descriptive term, avoid using it repeatedly in your writing. Consider using more specific terms like "knick-knacks", "trinkets", or "ornaments" to provide a more vivid picture or to create a more engaging writing.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "bric-a-brac" is as a noun, often used to describe a collection of miscellaneous decorative objects. As Ludwig shows, it commonly appears in descriptive contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Arts

14%

Travel

6%

Less common in

Books

6%

Food

2%

Lifestyle

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bric-a-brac" functions as a noun describing miscellaneous decorative objects of little value. As confirmed by Ludwig, its usage is grammatically correct and very common in English, particularly within News & Media, Arts, and Travel contexts. When writing, be mindful of overusing it; consider synonyms like "knick-knacks" or "trinkets" to add variety. Though neutral in register, as exemplified by Ludwig's examples, "bric-a-brac" succinctly conveys the image of assorted, often antique, decorative items.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

knick-knacks

Focuses on small, ornamental objects, often implying a more trivial nature than "bric-a-brac".

trinkets

Implies small, often inexpensive items used for adornment or decoration.

ornaments

Refers to decorative items, often associated with specific occasions or celebrations.

curios

Highlights the unusual or interesting nature of small collectibles.

collectibles

Emphasizes the value, whether monetary or sentimental, of accumulated items.

odds and ends

Denotes a collection of miscellaneous items, often without a specific purpose.

miscellany

Refers to a collection of diverse items, often in a literary or historical context.

bits and pieces

Suggests small, fragmented items that may or may not have a decorative purpose.

small treasures

Emphasizes the personal value and delight found in collecting seemingly insignificant items.

dust collectors

A humorous term for items that primarily serve to accumulate dust, implying a lack of practical use.

FAQs

How do I use "bric-a-brac" in a sentence?

"Bric-a-brac" refers to miscellaneous decorative objects. For instance, "The shelves were laden with "bric-a-brac" from her travels".

What are some synonyms for "bric-a-brac"?

Alternatives to "bric-a-brac" include "knick-knacks", "trinkets", "ornaments", and "curios", all referring to small decorative items.

Is "bric-a-brac" a formal or informal term?

"Bric-a-brac" is generally considered a neutral term, suitable for both formal and informal contexts when describing collections of decorative objects.

What's the difference between "bric-a-brac" and "antiques"?

"Bric-a-brac" typically refers to small, decorative items of little value, while "antiques" are valuable items of considerable age.