crinkum-crankum: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Rare / ArchaicHumorously archaic, literary
Quick answer
What does “crinkum-crankum” mean?
an intricate, twisted, or complicated thing.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
an intricate, twisted, or complicated thing; something characterized by many twists and turns.
Something that is excessively convoluted, overly decorated with unnecessary detail, or needlessly complicated. It can describe objects, systems, or language.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is historically British, though it is extremely rare in modern American English. It may be encountered in older British texts or in humorous imitation of archaic speech.
Connotations
In both varieties, it suggests something quaintly, ridiculously, or annoyingly complicated.
Frequency
Almost never used in contemporary spoken English. Its use is self-consciously archaizing or literary.
Grammar
How to Use “crinkum-crankum” in a Sentence
[be] + crinkum-crankumN + full of + crinkum-crankumV + the + crinkum-crankumVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “crinkum-crankum” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The new regulations are far too crinkum-crankum for my liking.
- He dismissed the argument as mere crinkum-crankum logic.
American English
- I don't need all this crinkum-crankum paperwork just to get a permit.
- Forget the crinkum-crankum details and give me the bottom line.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might humorously describe overly complex bureaucratic procedures or a needlessly intricate contract.
Academic
Rare. Could appear in historical linguistics or literary criticism discussing ornate, fussy prose.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Would be used for humorous effect to complain about something unnecessarily fiddly.
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “crinkum-crankum”
- Using it in serious modern contexts.
- Spelling it as 'crinkum crankum' without the hyphen.
- Assuming it is a common adjective.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is a genuine, though archaic and rare, English word. It appears in historical dictionaries and some literary works.
No, it is not appropriate for formal writing due to its archaic, humorous, and literary register.
It functions almost exclusively as a noun (e.g., 'full of crinkum-crankum') or a noun adjunct/modifier used adjectivally (e.g., 'crinkum-crankum details').
Yes. 'Gobbledygook' refers specifically to incomprehensible or pretentious language, especially jargon. 'Crinkum-crankum' refers more broadly to any object, system, or language that is convoluted and unnecessarily intricate, not just language.
an intricate, twisted, or complicated thing.
Crinkum-crankum: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkrɪŋ.kəmˈkræŋ.kəm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌkrɪŋ.kəmˈkræŋ.kəm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “All crinkum-crankum and no substance.”
- “More crinkum-crankum than a Victorian doily.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a CRINKLED, CRANKY old piece of machinery full of twisted, complicated (CRINKUM-CRANKUM) wires that no one can fix.
Conceptual Metaphor
COMPLEXITY IS PHYSICAL CONVOLUTION / TWISTEDNESS.
Practice
Quiz
Which of these best describes the typical use of 'crinkum-crankum'?