razzmatazz

American  

[raz-muh-taz] / ˈræz məˈtæz /

noun

Informal.

1. razzle-dazzle.

---

Etymology

Origin of razzmatazz

An Americanism dating back to 1895–1900; by alteration

Explanation

The noun razzmatazz is a colorful way to talk about activity that's meant to impress or distract people with its showiness. Your brother's magic trick might be truly remarkable, or it may be nothing but a bunch of razzmatazz. The razzmatazz of a politician's television ads can hide the fact that she doesn't really have anything new to say about the issues, and the razzmatazz of a marching band's fancy uniforms might distract from the fact that the instruments are all out of tune. The noun razzmatazz probably came from razzle-dazzle, or "showiness," and it's probably also connected to jazz, both the word and the music itself.

Example Sentences

And with good reason: This is a fantastically outlandish production that delivers a kind of large-scale razzmatazz that has become rare — no skimping here.

From New York Times • Nov. 27, 2024

Rachel Guyer-Mafune is committed to injecting some razzmatazz into the proceedings, and isn’t afraid of unconventional methods to get there.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 5, 2023

The triple world champion said he is "not looking forward" to the razzmatazz around the race, the first time Formula 1 cars have raced down the city's famous Strip.

From BBC • Nov. 16, 2023

Americans who talk with that kind of razzmatazz.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 14, 2023

Nazario must have made some sort of dizzy razzmatazz nonsense about the donation being an anonymous gift but I’m sure he gave the school enough information to know it was Vera.

From "Bodega Dreams" by Ernesto Quinonez