Definition: Useless nonsense.
Sample usage: "If this news release had any more flumdiddle, it would make a BuzzFeed quiz look like the SATs."
Popularity: As you might have guessed, it's an old word. But it staged a furious comeback at the end of 2016, according to Merriam-Webster's analysis of web searches. "Flummerdiddle" is also acceptable, as is "flummydiddle." Feel free to shorten it up as you like: "How was your year?" "Eh. Flum."
JAMES LILEKS
Heard a new word or phrase you want us to dissect? Let us know at word@startribune.com. See previous entries at startribune.com/word.
