tinsel: [16] Tinsel is etymologically something that ‘sparkles’. Its ultimate source is Latin scintilla ‘spark’, which has also given English scintillate [17]. This was altered in the postclassical period to *stincilla, which passed into Old French as estincele ‘spark’. From this was derived the adjective estincelé ‘sparkling’, which was applied particularly to fabric with metallic thread woven into it. English took this over as tinselle, originally an adjective but soon used as a noun. Its derogatory connotations of ‘gaudiness’ or ‘cheap glamour’ began to emerge in the 17th century. => scintillate, stencil
tinsel (n.)
mid-15c., "a kind of cloth made with interwoven gold or silver thread," from Middle French estincelle "spark, spangle" (see stencil (n.)). "In 14-15th c. Fr., the s of es- had long been mute" [OED]. Meaning "very thin sheets or strips of shiny metal" is recorded from 1590s. Figurative sense of "anything showy with little real worth" is from 1650s, suggested from at least 1590s. First recorded use of Tinseltown for "Hollywood" is from 1972.
双语例句
1. The room was lavishly decorated with tinsel and holly.
房间用了大量的金属箔和冬青枝装饰,十分奢华.
来自《简明英汉词典》
2. The careful design and the uncommon quality must push the brand Tinsel - ray a well - established road.
精心的设计与不凡的品质让“ Tinsel -ray” 品牌之路源远流长!
来自互联网
3. Amid the tinsel and shine of her state walked Carrie, unhappy.
嘉莉身居荣华富贵之中, 但并不幸福.
来自英汉文学 - 嘉莉妹妹
4. She seemed so experienced and self - reliant in her tinsel helmet and military accoutrements.
她戴着金箔头盔,佩着士兵装备,看上去经验丰富,信心十足.
来自英汉文学 - 嘉莉妹妹
5. It was decorated with glass balls, tinsel and candle topped it.