What is a word for a design element which used to have utility but now is used only for aesthetics? Ex: plastic "shutters" around some house windows, rivets on jeans, bead board.
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Are you looking for something more than decorative?– Jim MackSep 25, 2020 at 22:14
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Jim, yes. I heard a specific word for this type of thing on a radio program (possibly but not certainly Science Friday) some time ago. I don't remember when, so I can't find the program again.– noneSep 25, 2020 at 22:26
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Do any of these answer your question? english.stackexchange.com/q/251280/191178, english.stackexchange.com/q/173317/191178, english.stackexchange.com/q/360259/191178– Laurel ♦Sep 25, 2020 at 22:28
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Thanks Laurel, but no. However, the answer I'm looking for is included in this question: english.stackexchange.com/questions/417763/… (skeuomorph)– noneSep 25, 2020 at 22:31
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1 Answer
The word I was looking for is "skeuomorph".
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I'll note that Potemkin village is another common term for this, though with a somewhat prejudicial tone. And then there's facade. Sep 26, 2020 at 0:23
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Please add a linked and attributed supporting reference. How idiomatic is this term? Sep 27, 2020 at 18:39