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

The success of that trick, a last-minute pivot, was emblematic of the whole project: What could have been a gimmick actually produced a sophisticated and affecting piece of theater.

From The Wall Street Journal

She admits she’s fallen for tech hype before, calling the NFT craze of the early 2020s “a gimmick and a joke.”

From The Wall Street Journal

Some have dismissed the tour as a superficial gimmick - with the streams only benefitting himself.

From BBC

Given the choice between making money from genuine usefulness or gimmicks, most new ones resort to the latter.

From The Wall Street Journal

These unsavory gimmicks do nothing but provide more encouragement to reduce art into something fun to post about online.

From Salon

Related Words

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