Word of the Day
Trumpery (noun / adjective)
Definition:
• Noun: Showy but worthless finery; empty nonsense; deceitful practices.
• Adjective: Of little value; trifling; fraudulent.
Origins:
From Middle French tromper — “to deceive.” First recorded in English in the 15th century, and later defined by Samuel Johnson as “something fallaciously splendid; something of less value than it seems.”
Examples in Use:
• The marble columns and gold trim were mere trumpery, designed to mask the rot beneath.
• His promises of prosperity turned out to be nothing but trumpery and lies.
• Voters eventually saw through the trumpery spectacle of rallies and slogans.
• Behind the gilded surface was a trumpery vision, empty of substance.
• History books may one day list this era under the heading: An Age of Trumpery.
Reflection:
Few words capture corruption and spectacle so precisely. Trumpery is more than an uncanny lexical fit — it embodies the hollowness of rule built on lies, gaudy distraction, and deceit.
Call to Action:
Spot the trumpery around you today — and refuse to be dazzled by deception.
You know, it really does fit, doesn’t!? One of those words I’d forgotten and am glad you reminded us of it! Thank you!
At first I thought you were using a made up word utilizing that infamous name. Then I realized that it is actually a word. A word that not only describes the individual who just happens to be named so closely. And the definition is perfect, I instantly recalled the ornately painted Oval Office that just looks so tacky. You hit the nail on this one, Joyce!