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

/ ˈræzəlˈdæzəl, ˈræzməˈtæz /

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

The other park, not far up the coast, was as perky and clean-cut as a barbershop quartet, painted the colors of sand and sky, with shipshape and jaunty ocean-inspired adventures, and zippy, futuristic, razzle-dazzle rides.

From Los Angeles Times

The success of “Showman” notwithstanding, Jackman’s brand of stage-and-screen razzle-dazzle feels fairly rare in pop music these days among male performers.

From Los Angeles Times

But the Director’s Fortnight, an independent sidebar showcase where films outside of the Cannes competition premiere, offers a glimpse at worthy films that might not have the same razzle-dazzle as the festival proper.

From Salon

And it’s not because he thinks he’s the funniest man to ever hold a microphone, though his shirtless razzle-dazzle and talent for hilarious, heartfelt storytelling has obviously created an empire.

From Los Angeles Times

It also affected her shows, which she kept simple with few theatrics and minimal razzle-dazzle.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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