kickshaw

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "kickshaw" is correct and usable in written English, though it is quite rare and somewhat archaic.
You can use it to refer to a trivial or insignificant item, often in a context where something is being dismissed as unimportant or frivolous. Example: "The menu was filled with kickshaws that did little to satisfy our hunger."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

The word "kickshaw" is a scornful Anglicisation of the French quelque chose – "some odd thing or other" – whose history can be traced to the 16th century: a supper of "a joint of mutton and any pretty little kickshaws" is prepared for Falstaff in Henry IV, Part 2. Bloater paste, meanwhile, has a Dickensian air: it makes you think of pea soupers and a stinking Thames – though this is very unfair.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"Not much Korean or Asian influence on the food here," he said of Kickshaw, where the menu is vegan and vegetarian.

The New York Times - Food

THE QUEENS KICKSHAW 40-17 Broadway (41st Street), Astoria, [phone], thequeenskickshaw.com.

The New York Times - Food

A great one is at the Queens Kickshaw: a grilled gouda sandwich with guava jam, black bean purée and pickled jalapeños ($10).

The New York Times - Food

So does the Queens Kickshaw, an Astoria restaurant.

The New York Times - Food

Chef on the Move YOUNGSUN LEE, who attracted attention at Persimmon in the East Village and had been involved with Kimchi Taco, is now the chef at The Queens Kickshaw in Astoria.

The New York Times - Food

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

The menu, then, is a kickshaw-crammed affair.

The New Yorker

See Rotten Row, piepowder, and kickshaw--those.

The New Yorker

"I am doing away with all the kickshaws — no hothouse grapes — nothing out of season," she told a reporter who inquired about the "economy menus," and added that she intended to provide "good and well-cooked food".

The New Yorker

Recipes for both kickshaws and bloater paste can be found in Jane Grigson's 1974 classic English Food – though her kickshaws, filled with jam, are designed to be served as pudding, sprinkled with sugar – and it's thanks to this that they're on the Quo Vadis menu.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Among these, listed in the section of salty, savoury things you might just enjoy with a pre-dinner sharpener, are kickshaws, which are deep-fried pastry parcels, usually with a chicken filling.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a restaurant, use "kickshaw" to imply a menu full of little, perhaps pretentious, dishes.

Common error

Avoid using "kickshaw" in contexts that require a straightforward or positive description. The word often carries a sense of triviality or disdain, so it's inappropriate for sincere praise or serious subjects.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "kickshaw" is as a noun, referring to a dainty dish or a showy, but trivial, trinket. Ludwig indicates that the word is usable, though rare, and often carries a scornful connotation. Examples include describing a menu full of insignificant items.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Science

27%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "kickshaw" is an uncommon noun with the meaning of "a dainty or delicacy" or "a trinket or gewgaw". Ludwig confirms its correct usage, though it's considered rare and somewhat archaic. The examples found by Ludwig predominantly appear in News & Media contexts, with connotations of triviality or disdain. While grammatically sound, it's best used sparingly to avoid sounding pretentious. Alternatives include "trinket" or "bauble". Use it to imply a menu full of little, perhaps pretentious, dishes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

trinket

Focuses on the ornamental and often inexpensive nature of the item.

bauble

Emphasizes the showy but ultimately valueless aspect.

gewgaw

Highlights the flashy and often gaudy nature of the object.

knick-knack

Refers to small, ornamental objects displayed around a house.

whim-wham

Implies something fanciful and frivolous.

trifle

Underscores the insignificance or lack of importance.

frippery

Suggests something showy, unnecessary, and often cheap.

ornament

Highlights the decorative function of the item.

curiosity

Emphasizes the unusual or interesting nature of a small object.

bagatelle

Stresses the lack of importance or value.

FAQs

How can I use "kickshaw" in a sentence?

You can use "kickshaw" to describe a fancy, but often trivial, dish or a showy trinket. For example, "The menu was full of kickshaws that did little to satisfy our hunger."

What does "kickshaw" mean?

A "kickshaw" refers to something trivial or insignificant, often a fancy food item or a showy trinket. It often implies something unnecessary or pretentious.

What can I say instead of "kickshaw"?

You can use alternatives like "trinket", "bauble", or "delicacy", depending on the context.

Is "kickshaw" a common word?

No, "kickshaw" is not a common word. It is somewhat archaic and rare in modern usage.