razzle-dazzle
Americannoun
-
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.
He thrived on the lights, the crowds, the razzle-dazzle of the Las Vegas Strip at night.
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.
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 is also possible, for some fans, that the unvarnished reality of sports, without the high-tech razzle-dazzle, will no longer be enjoyable or even watchable.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 12, 2026
"The Fast and the Furious" will be screened in a midnight slot later in the day, bringing some Hollywood razzle-dazzle to Cannes where US studios are notably absent.
From Barron's ● May 13, 2026
Yet she finished strong with speedy versions of “Juno,” “Espresso” and “Goodbye” into “Tears,” which got an elaborate water show that proved Carpenter can provide the right amount of razzle-dazzle when she wants to.
From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 11, 2026
But the Director’s Fortnight, an independent sidebar showcase where films outside of the Cannes competition premiere, offers a glimpse at worthy films that might not have the same razzle-dazzle as the festival proper.
From Salon ● Jun. 8, 2025
Sticks dancing, swerving, keeping the puck in endless razzle-dazzle motion.
From "Tradition" by Brendan Kiely
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.
