Chichi
The German phrase Chichi corresponds to the English term chichi.
Chichi is used to describe something that is overly fancy, pretentious or unnecessary ornamentation. It often refers to unnecessary or pretentious fluff/pomp.
Which one should you use?
While Chichi focuses on pretentious fluff, the informal alternative Schnickschnack is used specifically to convey the idea of knick-knacks, trinkets or little unnecessary items.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Chichi is used in a colloquial, slightly dismissive register to mock something as being too 'fancy' for its actual value.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Saxony, the term Gefriem is used to refer to excessive decoration or fussiness.
Did you know?
- While Chichi describes a pretentious style, it is quite different from the German word Kitsch, which refers to something that is tacky or in bad taste. You might call a gold-plated fountain Chichi, but a cheap-looking plastic statue is just Kitsch.
- The word Chichi is a loanword from French, reflecting the long historical influence of French court culture and fashion on the German language.
- The related term Schnickschnack uses reduplication, a linguistic feature where a word is repeated with a slight vowel change to imply something trivial or unimportant.
Examples in context
- Das ist alles nur unnötiges Chichi.That is all just unnecessary frills.
- Ich mag diesen ganzen Chichi nicht.I do not like all this fuss.
- Wir brauchen kein teures Chichi im Büro.We do not need expensive frills in the office.
Example conversation
Sarah and Julian are discussing the interior design of their new apartment.
- SarahSollen wir diese goldene Lampe kaufen?Should we buy this golden lamp?
- JulianNein, das ist zu viel Chichi für mich.No, that is too much frill for me.
- SarahAber es sieht doch sehr elegant aus.But it looks very elegant.
- JulianEs ist einfach nur unpraktisch.It is simply just impractical.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Chichi, CC BY-SA 4.0.
