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babiole

trinket, knick-knack

noun bah-BYOL Rare

Also means

trifle, bagatelle

Usage Note

Babiole refers to a small, cheap ornament or a trifling matter. It often appears in the plural des babioles to describe worthless souvenirs or trivial concerns. The word carries a slightly dismissive tone, implying the object or issue is not worth serious attention. Compare breloque (charm, trinket) for wearable small ornaments.

Examples

"La boutique ne vendait que des babioles pour touristes."

Natural Translation

The shop sold only tourist trinkets.

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