razzle-dazzle
Americannoun
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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.
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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.
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confusion, commotion, or riotous gaiety.
He thrived on the lights, the crowds, the razzle-dazzle of the Las Vegas Strip at night.
adjective
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impressively opulent or decorative, especially in a new way; showy; flashy; eye-catching.
a shopping center lined with razzle-dazzle boutiques.
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energetic, dynamic, or innovative.
razzle-dazzle technology; a razzle-dazzle sales pitch.
noun
Etymology
Origin of razzle-dazzle
First recorded in 1890–95; rhyming compound based on dazzle
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Pitchfork said “her music’s never been less compelling,” while The Guardian called the album “dull razzle-dazzle from a star who seems frazzled.”
From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 14, 2025
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 • Jun. 8, 2025
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 • Mar. 18, 2025
She emerged in a razzle-dazzle showgirl outfit and instantly missed her spotlight.
From BBC • Feb. 3, 2025
Sticks dancing, swerving, keeping the puck in endless razzle-dazzle motion.
From "Tradition" by Brendan Kiely
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
