cardboard
UK: ˈkɑːdbɔːd | US: ˈkɑːrdbɔːrd
n. a stiff, thick material made of layers of paper or paper pulp, used for making boxes or other products
adj. lacking depth or substance; unconvincingly artificial
The word "cardboard" combines "card" (from Old French carte, meaning "stiff paper," derived from Latin charta for "paper/papyrus") and "board" (from Old English bord, meaning "plank or flat surface"). Originally, it referred to thick paper used for playing cards or artwork. By the 19th century, it evolved to describe layered paper sheets pressed into rigid material for packaging. The figurative sense ("lacking substance") emerged later, critiquing shallow representations.
The package was wrapped in sturdy cardboard to protect its contents.
She built a model house out of cardboard and glue.
His argument felt as flimsy as cardboard.
Recycled cardboard is often used for eco-friendly packaging.
The actor’s performance was criticized as cardboard and emotionless.