a thread, strip of paper,
plastic or metal used to
produce a sparkling or glittery
effect in such things as Christmas decorations, fabrics,
advertising materials, etc. Hence, it can be used figuratively to mean something or someone
marked by a deceptively brilliant or valuable appearance with little real worth; showy or attractive but lacking real
value.
showy but of little
value. (
Chapter 2, #1)
of or like tinsel; showy but not worth much. Tinsel is glittering
copper,
brass or some other metal in
thin sheets, strips or threads, used to
produce a sparkling
effect cheaply.
showy but of little
value.