noun
- a cheap, showy, or counterfeit article; something of poor quality made to look valuable
Usage: informal; chiefly British; often used attributively
adjective
- cheap, showy, or counterfeit in appearance; of poor quality despite outward appeal
Usage: informal; chiefly British
Examples
- The jewelry he bought at the market turned out to be brummagem—it tarnished within days.
- She wore a brummagem necklace that looked expensive but was made of cheap metal.
- The antique dealer warned customers about brummagem furniture being sold as authentic Victorian pieces.
- His promises of wealth were nothing but brummagem; he had no real money.
- The store sold brummagem goods at inflated prices to unsuspecting tourists.
- That designer handbag is brummagem—a counterfeit made in a factory overseas.