razzle-dazzle

[ raz-uhl-daz-uhl ]

noun

, Informal.

1. showiness, brilliance, or virtuosity in technique or effect, often without concomitant substance or worth; flashy theatricality:

   The razzle-dazzle of the essay's metaphors cannot disguise its shallowness of thought.

2. Chiefly Football. deceptive action typically consisting of a series of complex maneuvers, as a double reverse or hand-off, usually executed in a flashy manner:

   a team relying more on power and speed than razzle-dazzle.

3. confusion, commotion, or riotous gaiety:

   He thrived on the lights, the crowds, the razzle-dazzle of the Las Vegas Strip at night.

adjective

1. impressively opulent or decorative, especially in a new way; showy; flashy; eye-catching:

   a shopping center lined with razzle-dazzle boutiques.

2. energetic, dynamic, or innovative:

   razzle-dazzle technology; a razzle-dazzle sales pitch.

razzle-dazzle

/ ˈræzməˈtæz; ˈræzəlˈdæzəl /

noun

1. slang.
   noisy or showy fuss or activity

Word History and Origins

Origin of razzle-dazzle¹

First recorded in 1890–95; rhyming compound based on dazzle

Word History and Origins

Origin of razzle-dazzle¹

C19: rhyming compound based on dazzle

Example Sentences

But he did speak to the issue of the razzle-dazzle camera moves, at least indirectly.

From The Daily Beast

You knew this would be razzle-dazzle, filled with glitter and popping bottles and Jay-Z.

From The Daily Beast

For those who fear that Loughner may "beat" the case with some psychiatric razzle-dazzle, fear not.

From The Daily Beast

Yes, the razzle-dazzle of commercial news is more exciting and the social networking of Internet-based technologies is edgier.

From The Daily Beast

He said that a razzle-dazzle was something like a merry-go-round, except that as it went round and round it also went up and down.

From Project Gutenberg

But the "Razzle Dazzle's" chauffeur looked at me in distress.

From Project Gutenberg

And largely because "Razzle Dazzle" took matters into her own hands.

From Project Gutenberg

In the middle of this razzle-dazzle come another crash and a flood of light.

From Project Gutenberg

But he did try to give me credit for what "Razzle Dazzle" had herself accomplished.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• amazing
• astonishing
• astounding
• breathtaking
• daring
• dazzling
• dramatic
• eye-catching
• fabulous
• fantastic
• grand
• magnificent
• marvelous
• miraculous
• remarkable
• sensational
• splendid
• striking
• stunning
• thrilling