razzle-dazzle
[ raz-uh l-daz-uh l ]
/ ˈræz əlˈdæz əl /
noun Informal.
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.
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.
confusion, commotion, or riotous gaiety.
adjective
impressively opulent or decorative, especially in a new way; showy; flashy; eye-catching: a shopping center lined with razzle-dazzle boutiques.
energetic, dynamic, or innovative: razzle-dazzle technology; a razzle-dazzle sales pitch.
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Origin of razzle-dazzle
First recorded in 1890–95; rhyming compound based on dazzle
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for razzle-dazzle
British Dictionary definitions for razzle-dazzle
razzle-dazzle
razzmatazz (ˈræzməˈtæz)
/ (ˈræzəlˈdæzəl) /
noun
slang noisy or showy fuss or activity
Word Origin for razzle-dazzle
C19: rhyming compound based on dazzle
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Word Origin and History for razzle-dazzle
razzle-dazzle
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper