Flummery - Figurative Use

Figurative Use

Flummery's negative connotation was picked up in its alternate, figurative meaning: empty compliments, unsubstantial talk or writing, and nonsense. The term is also used to denote intentionally confusing speech, flim-flam. "This is not the age of reason, this is the age of flummery, and the day of the devious approach. Reason’s gone into the backrooms where it works to devise means by which people can be induced to emote in the desired direction."