razzmatazz

American  

[raz-muh-taz] / ˈræz məˈtæz /

noun

Informal.

1. razzle-dazzle.

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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

Instead, it has promoted its claim to have resurrected the dire wolf with unsparing razzmatazz.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 24, 2025

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

That may be partly due to the more challenging economic backdrop, but Starmer, formerly a human rights lawyer, lacks the razzmatazz of his predecessor.

From Seattle Times • May 1, 2024

A throw-back 1930s razzmatazz showtune from the musical 42nd Street was planned.

From BBC • Feb. 13, 2024

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