tinsel
Sign in to save300px|thumb|Tinsel garland on a Christmas tree Tinsel is a type of decorative material that mimics the effect of ice. It consists of thin strips of sparkling material attached to a thread. When in long narrow strips not attached to thread, it is called "lametta", and emulates icicles. It was originally a metallic garland for Christmas decoration. The modern production of tinsel typically involves plastic, and is used particularly to decorate Christmas trees. It may be hung from ceilings or wrapped around statues and lampposts. Modern tinsel was invented in Nuremberg, Germany, in 1610, and was
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6 sectionsContents
- History
- Figurative use
- Other uses
- See also
- References
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300px|thumb|Tinsel garland on a Christmas tree Tinsel is a type of decorative material that mimics the effect of ice. It consists of thin strips of sparkling material attached to a thread. When in long narrow strips not attached to thread, it is called "lametta", and emulates icicles. It was originally a metallic garland for Christmas decoration. The modern production of tinsel typically involves plastic, and is used particularly to decorate Christmas trees. It may be hung from ceilings or wrapped around statues and lampposts. Modern tinsel was invented in Nuremberg, Germany, in 1610, and was originally made of shredded silver. thumb|upright|Original lametta (silver foil with tin and lead)
According to the Concise Oxford Dictionary, the word is from the Old French word estincele, meaning "sparkle".