A new item; something which has never been encountered before (with the implication that it will quickly disappear); specifically a frivolous thing, which has a certain amusement value, but usually little else to recommend it.
Origin
1940s; earliest use found in Towards World Prosperity.
Definition of novelty item in US English:
novelty item
noun
A new item; something which has never been encountered before (with the implication that it will quickly disappear); specifically a frivolous thing, which has a certain amusement value, but usually little else to recommend it.
Origin
1940s; earliest use found in Towards World Prosperity.