Neither use nor ornament

Suggest a Correction

Meaning

Completely useless, being neither practical nor even decorative. When applied to a person it is blunt and potentially insulting. Regional use: United Kingdom, colloquial.

Origin

The phrase turns a literal test of an object's practical and decorative value into a dismissive judgement, often of a person. It is established British colloquial speech, but its early history is poorly documented; no specific invention or anecdote can be responsibly supplied.

Variants

  • Be neither use nor ornament

Usage Examples

  • That cracked umbrella is neither use nor ornament, so put it in the recycling pile.
  • He stood beside the ladder offering opinions and was neither use nor ornament.

Browse More

A to Z More N phrases