crinkum-crankum

noun

crin·​kum-cran·​kum
¦kriŋkəm¦kraŋkəm
plural -s
archaic
: something full of twists and turns : a thing fancifully or excessively intricate and elaborate

Word History

Etymology

alteration (influenced by Latin nouns ending in -um) of crinkle-crankle

First Known Use

1670, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of crinkum-crankum was in 1670

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Dictionary Entries Near crinkum-crankum

crinkleroot

crinkum-crankum

crinoid

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Crinkum-crankum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/crinkum-crankum. Accessed 29 Nov. 2024.

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