The term “Knick Knack” originated in the 19th century. Derived from the English dialect words “knick” meaning “knick-knack” or “trifle,” and “knack” meaning “toy” or “plaything,” the term “Knick Knack” was first introduced in the 19th century to describe small decorative items.

These items are usually kept as collectables or ornaments and toys. Origin of this idiom This idiomatic phrase is believed to have derived from the word ‘knack’ in the 16th century. The word knack was originally used to describe a trinket and that is where the meaning we use today has evolved from.