trumpery
UK: ˈtrʌmpəri | US: ˈtrʌmpəri
n. 1. Showy but worthless finery or nonsense; trivial or deceitful talk.
n. 2. (Archaic) Deceit; fraud.
The word "trumpery" originates from the Old French verb tromper (to deceive), which evolved into Middle English as "trump" (to cheat or deceive). The suffix "-ery" was added to form a noun indicating the practice or result of deception. Over time, "trumpery" came to describe not just deceit but also gaudy, worthless objects or empty talk—highlighting how deception often masks itself in superficial allure.
The market was full of trumpery souvenirs that broke within a day.
His speech was mere trumpery, devoid of any real substance.
She saw through the trumpery of his flattery.
The antique shop sold trumpery disguised as valuable artifacts.
Politicians often resort to trumpery to distract from pressing issues.