When pinchbeck is used derisively it means fake. When it is used less-derisively it means imitation. It is an eponym, or a word that is define from a proper name of an actual person or place. (See watt below.) In this case pinchbeck comes from the 18th century London chemist Christopher Pinchbeck who invented an imitation gold made from copper and zinc.
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Pinchbeck
When pinchbeck is used derisively it means fake. When it is used less-derisively it means imitation. It is an eponym, or a word that is define from a proper name of an actual person or place. (See watt below.) In this case pinchbeck comes from the 18th century London chemist Christopher Pinchbeck who invented an imitation gold made from copper and zinc.
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