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.
It just reiterates the fact you don't need to wrap it up with razzle dazzle.
From BBC • Feb. 25, 2024
Through a combination of razzle dazzle and Rolodex spinning, the streaming service packaged this special more like a major sporting event than a special, a star-studded warm-up act to the Oscars next week.
From New York Times • Mar. 5, 2023
The Oscars instead doubled down on razzle dazzle, and the movies as an escape.
From Washington Times • Mar. 28, 2022
Kraken fans caught a glimpse of the razzle dazzle during the team’s opening-night road loss to the Golden Knights last week.
From Seattle Times • Oct. 21, 2021
It was poker dice now, having begun as razzle dazzle.
From Wolf Breed by Gregory, Jackson
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.
