Definition:
A Barmecide is something that gives the illusion of abundance or generosity but is actually empty or non-existent. It often refers to a false or pretended generosity.
Origin:
The word comes from “The Barmecide Feast,” a story in The Arabian Nights (One Thousand and One Nights).
In the tale, a wealthy noble named Barmecide invites a beggar to a sumptuous feast—but all the dishes are imaginary. The beggar plays along and pretends to eat, impressing the host, who then rewards him with a real feast.
From this, Barmecide came to mean illusory or pretended luxury or benefit.
Example Sentence:
The company’s promise of “limitless opportunities” turned out to be a Barmecide feast—impressive in words but empty in reality.
