I'm tripping

[Kevin Handy]

Paul Koning wrote:

>>>>>>"Kevin" == Kevin Handy <kth at srv.net> writes:
>>>>>>            
>>>>>>
>
> >>> I didn't realize it was so disparaging. I meant more like gewgaw,
> >>> knickknack, a nice toy that I don't need but is very nice.
> >>> 
> >>> 
> >> Don't forget bric-a-brac and whatnot.
> >> 
> >> How many words are there in the English language to describe
> >> quaint but useless crap and what does that say about our culture? 
>
> Kevin> Scrimshaw is probably a less generic term (i.e. nautical
> Kevin> knickknancks), but still covers a lot of ground.
>
>Not even close.  Scrimshaw very specifically means engravings on
>ivory, traditionally made by sailors on sailing ships in their spare
>time.   It doesn't mean knickknacks or anything like it; it refers to
>a category of art.
>  
>
I've heard it applied to other objects, probably wrongly,
such as a boat made from beef bones.