John Lanchester

Fine dining.' I'd love to know who coined the term and whether they meant it to be as offputting as it is. The words evoke an idea of phoney refinement, of needless flummery, snooty waiters, and an atmosphere designed to intimidate the customer.

British Journalist

Often used to describe a specific kind of European dessert, typically associated with Wales or Britain.

Dessert Context

Historically, flummery was a simple dish; now it can have a gourmet or nostalgic appeal.

Historical Dish

Used to refer to the thick, smooth texture of the dessert, not its flavor or ingredients.

Texture Indicator

Suggests praise or compliments that are not sincere, often exaggerated or used for manipulation.

Insincere Praise

When someone calls talk 'flummery', they are dismissing it as worthless or irrelevant.

Dismissive Tone

Used figuratively in various phrases to denote frivolous or deceptive language.

Flummery