Bric-à-brac (origin French), first used in the Victorian era, refers to collections of curios such as elaborately decorated teacups and small vases, feathers, wax flowers under glass domes, eggshells, statuettes, painted miniatures or photographs, and so on. Bric-à-brac was used as ornament on mantelpieces, tables, and shelves, or displayed in curio cabinets—sometimes these cabinets have glass doors to display the items within while protecting them from dust.

Bric-à-brac nowadays refers to a selection of items of low value, often sold in street markets. It is also sold in many curio stores and souvenir shacks along the famous U.S. Route 66. During the 1950s-60s Americans found a large interest in bric a brac and as a result it was sold in many "everything shops" such as Sears and Target.

Adjective

useless (comparative more useless, superlative most useless)

1. Without use or possibility to be used.

   This fork has prongs that are bent. It's useless now.

2. Unhelpful, not useful; pointless (of an action).

   I think it's useless to keep this discussion going. It's like talking to a wall.

   I tried my best to make him quit smoking, but my efforts were useless. He now smokes six packs a day.

3. (pejorative): (of a person) good-for-nothing; not dependable.

   Bill never mows the lawn, takes out the trash or anything. He's useless, but I love him anyways.

4. (colloquial): (of a person) unable to do well at a particular task or thing. Useless is mildly insulting.

   My brother is useless at most computer games, but he is an awesome PS2 player.

   Why do you keep trying? You're obviously useless at it.

Synonyms

• (good-for-nothing): good-for-nothing
• (unable to do well): unskillful

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