gimmick

American  

[gim-ik] / ˈgɪm ɪk /

noun

1. an ingenious or novel device, scheme, or stratagem, especially one designed to attract attention or increase appeal.

   Synonyms:

   angle, ploy, ruse, plan, stunt

2. a concealed, usually devious aspect or feature of something, as a plan or deal.

   An offer that good must have a gimmick in it somewhere.

3. a hidden mechanical device by which a magician works a trick or a gambler controls a game of chance.

4. Electronics Informal. a capacitor formed by intertwining two insulated wires.

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verb (used with object)

1. to equip or embellish with unnecessary features, especially in order to increase salability, acceptance, etc. (often followed byup ).

   to gimmick up a sports car with chrome and racing stripes.

verb (used without object)

1. to resort to gimmickry, especially habitually.

gimmick British  

/ ˈɡɪmɪk /

noun

1. something designed to attract extra attention, interest, or publicity

2. any clever device, gadget, or stratagem, esp one used to deceive

3. a device or trick of legerdemain that enables a magician to deceive the audience

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Other Word Forms

• gimmicker noun
• gimmickry noun
• gimmicky adjective
• ungimmicky adjective

Etymology

Origin of gimmick

An Americanism dating back to 1925–30; origin uncertain

Example Sentences

In an entertainment industry that rewards cheap gimmicks and surface-level solidarity with marginalized people, JOP’s cutting realness is a cornerstone of his identity as an artist.

From Los Angeles Times

“No gimmicks — just smart repositioning of assets that creates a lot of flexibility going forward,” he said.

From MarketWatch

The actors became internet darlings, taking part in publicity gimmicks usually reserved for movie rollouts, like Vanity Fair’s lie-detector test.

From Los Angeles Times

Getting to know teammates and coaches through slideshow presentations sounded like a gimmick, but then players including Reaves noted how easy it felt to connect as a group despite having so many new pieces.

From Los Angeles Times

City AM's Adam Bloodworth concluded that the show at its core "is actually a fairly analogue musical experience", which sustains its quality "without relying on particularly viral moments, gimmicks or tricks".

From BBC

Related Words

• artifice
• device
• fun
• gadget
• gizmo
• instrument
• maneuver
• method
• ploy
• ruse
• stratagem
• stunt
• trick