Crossword Genius

US soldier with witticism about maiden -- tacky (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

gimcrack

'tacky' is the definition.
('gimcrack' can be a synonym of 'tacky')

'us soldier with witticism about maiden' is the wordplay.
'us soldier' becomes 'gi' (I've seen this in other clues).
'with' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'witticism' becomes 'crack' (I've seen this before**).
'about' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'maiden' becomes 'm' (cricket abbreviation).
'crack' after 'm' is 'mcrack'.
'gi' next to 'mcrack' is 'GIMCRACK'.

(Other definitions for gimcrack that I've seen before include "Flashy" , "poorly-made article" , "Tinpot" , "Of ornament, showy but worthless" , "Rubbish!" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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