noun
folderol
Folderol (noun) means (informal) Silly, meaningless talk or behaviour.
noun
1
(informal) Silly, meaningless talk or behaviour.
"In this confrontation with the magic of science and the magic of folderol, it is almost impossible not to side with the magic of folderol, and the silly, but relatively benign, Merlin."
— Donald L. Hoffman, Mark's Merlin: Magic vs. Technology in A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court (1992)
2
A pretty but cheap and unimportant ornament.
"“I notice you're not keen on folderols.” “Folderols?” Amanda echoed uncomprehendingly. “My grandmother's term for decorative items, pictures, knick-knacks,” Connor's hand swept the room."
— G. K. Sutton, The Witherspoon Legacy (2008)
"He didn't share Miss Flora's penchant for collecting gaudy, useless knickknacks, and wouldn't have bought any of those foolish, foreign fandangles and folderols if he did have the money to waste."
— Linda Shertzer, Cassie's Fortune (2000)
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Etymology
Originally a nonsense refrain in songs, since circa 1701, as "fal, al, deral!", and 1820, used to make the song longer without adding more meaningful content (see non-lexical vocables in music). Compare falleri, fallera, extended as falleralla or fallerallera, in Swedish and German songs.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for folderol
See all rhymes for folderol →Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of folderol?
"folderol" (noun) means (informal) Silly, meaningless talk or behaviour.
What is another word for folderol?
Other words for "folderol" include applesauce, trumpery, rubbish, codswallop, trash, tripe.
What are the different meanings of folderol?
"folderol" has 2 main meanings: 1. (informal) Silly, meaningless talk or behaviour; 2. A pretty but cheap and unimportant ornament.
