“Knick Knacks” Meaning, Origin and Examples

Last updated on October 16, 2024 by Liam Daniel

When you hear the phrase “knick knacks,” you might wonder about its meaning. This reference will help you understand what “knick knacks” means, explore examples, and discover different ways to say the phrase.

Learning about “knick knacks” can help you use the phrase in everyday conversations. You might discover intriguing details about where this term came from and how it fits into the English language.

Knick Knacks Meaning, Origin and Usage

Key Takeaways

  • “Knick-knacks” are small, decorative items or trinkets, often collected for sentimental reasons or to enhance the aesthetic of a room.
Knick Knacks Meaning
Knick Knacks Meaning – Created by 7ESL

“Knick Knacks” Meaning

“Knick-knacks” refers to small decorative objects or trinkets, often collected for sentimental reasons or used to decorate shelves, tables, or other surfaces in a home. They are typically inexpensive and serve no practical purpose other than adding a decorative touch to a space.

For example:

  • “Her living room is filled with knick-knacks from her travels.”

Knick-knacks can include figurines, souvenirs, small sculptures, or other novelty items, and are usually displayed in homes for aesthetic or nostalgic reasons.

Origin of this Idiom

This idiomatic phrase is believed to have derived from the word ‘knack’ in the 16th century. The word knack was originally used to describe a trinket and that is where the meaning we use today has evolved from.

Usage of “Knick Knacks”

Here are examples of how “knick-knacks” can be used in sentences:

  1. Describing a collection:
    • “Her shelves are full of colorful knick-knacks she’s picked up during her travels.”
  2. Referring to home decor:
    • “He likes to decorate his living room with vintage knick-knacks from flea markets.”
  3. Talking about cleaning or organizing:
    • “I spent the afternoon dusting off all the knick-knacks on the mantelpiece.”
  4. Describing clutter:
    • “The table is cluttered with so many knick-knacks that there’s no room for anything else.”
  5. Gifting:
    • “She bought a few cute knick-knacks as souvenirs for her friends.”

In each context, “knick-knacks” refers to small decorative items, often adding personal or aesthetic value.

Related Terms to “Knick Knacks”

  • Trinkets – Small, often inexpensive items, usually of sentimental or decorative value.
  • Baubles – Small, decorative objects, often shiny or eye-catching.
  • Curios – Unusual or interesting items, often collected for display.
  • Souvenirs – Objects collected or bought to remind someone of a place or event.
  • Keepsakes – Small items kept as a reminder of a person, place, or event.
  • Novelties – Small, fun or unique items, often designed to amuse or be quirky.
  • Tchotchkes – A Yiddish term referring to small decorative items or trinkets.
  • Ornaments – Objects used to decorate or embellish, particularly small decorations.
  • Collectibles – Items that are collected, often for their value or uniqueness.
  • Figurines – Small sculpted or molded figures, often used as decoration.

Other Ways to Say the Phrase

There are a lot of other ways in which you can say the term ‘knick knacks.’ Here are a few examples of other phrases that mean the same thing.

  • Bits and bobs
  • Odds and ends
  • This and that

“Knick Knacks” Examples

Examples in Statements

This is a statement made by someone who collects items related to the Royal Family.

  • ‘I have plates featuring the Queen, tea cups, towels and many other knick knacks that I have collected over the years.’

Here is a statement made in an advert for a shop.

  • ‘We sell everything from jewelry to sweets and plenty of other little knick knacks.’

Conversation Examples

Here are a couple of examples of how the term ‘knick knacks’ would work in a conversation.

This first conversation is occurring between a husband and wife.

  • Person 1: “We need to get rid of some of the things in this living room.”
  • Person 2: “Why do we?”
  • Person 1: “There are too many knick knacks in here and it is starting to look a mess.”

Here is a conversation which is happening between two friends.

  • Person 1: “I have been collecting pigs for many years. “
  • Person 2: “What sort of things do you collect?”
  • Person 1: “I have cuddly toys, pictures and a lot of little knick knacks that I keep on the shelf.”
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