Definition
Bric‑a‑brac (also spelled bric‑abrac) refers to a collection of small, ornamental objects, curios, or miscellaneous items, typically of little monetary value, kept for decorative or sentimental purposes. The term is commonly used to describe knick‑knacks, trinkets, and assorted household ornaments displayed on shelves, mantelpieces, or in curio cabinets.
Etymology
The word originates from the French phrase bric‐abrac, first recorded in the early 19th century. The French term is believed to be a reduplicative construction, possibly derived from bric (a variant of briche, meaning "scrap") and abrac, an onomatopoeic element emphasizing variety. Its exact linguistic roots are uncertain, but the term entered English through literary and commercial usage during the Victorian era.
Historical Development
| Period | Development |
|---|---|
| Early 19th c. | First attested in English dictionaries (e.g., A Dictionary of the English Language, 1844). Used to describe assorted household ornaments sold in markets and department stores. |
| Mid‑19th c. | The rise of the middle class and increased consumer goods production led to a growth in the market for decorative accessories; catalogues listed “bric‑a‑brac” as a distinct category. |
| Late 19th c.–early 20th c. | Department stores such as Macy’s and Harrods created dedicated “bric‑a‑brac” sections, often featuring imported porcelain, glassware, and metalwork. |
| Post‑World War II | Mass‑produced plastic items expanded the range of bric‑a‑brac, while the term also acquired a mildly pejorative sense, implying triviality or clutter. |
| Late 20th c.–present | “Bric‑a‑brac” continues to denote small decorative items; the term is used in interior‑design literature and online marketplaces (e.g., e‑bay categories). |
Classification and Typical Materials
- Materials: Porcelain, glass, metal (especially pewter and brass), ivory, wood, enamel, ceramics, plastic, and textiles.
- Common Types: Miniature figurines, decorative trays, framed prints, paperweights, figurine sets, souvenir items, antique keys, small jars, and novelty objects.
Cultural and Commercial Context
- Interior Design: Bric‑a‑brac is often employed to personalize interior spaces, providing visual interest and reflecting personal taste or heritage.
- Collecting: Certain categories (e.g., Meissen porcelain figurines, Art Nouveau glass) are collected and valued by enthusiasts; provenance and rarity affect market price.
- Retail: Specialist shops, antique dealers, flea markets, and online platforms maintain distinct sections for bric‑a‑brac, frequently grouped under “collectibles” or “decorative arts.”
Related Terms
- Knick‑knack – an informal synonym, primarily used in American English.
- Curiosity cabinet (Wunderkammer) – a historic precursor that displayed assorted curiosities, including bric‑a‑brac.
- Objet d’art – a broader term for artistic objects, some of which may be considered bric‑a‑brac when small and decorative.
References
- Oxford English Dictionary, 2nd ed., entry “bric‑a‑brac.”
- The Dictionary of Interior Design (2009), p. 312.
- McNeil, Peter. The Rise of the Department Store: Victorian Commerce and the Bric‑a‑brac Trade. London: Routledge, 2015.
See also
- Decorative arts
- Antiques trading
- Collectibles market
Note: This entry reflects the established usage and historical development of the term “bric‑a‑brac” as documented in reputable lexical and historical sources.