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gimmick

gimmick

64 5.6
A clever trick or device used to attract attention
  • noun
  • /ˈɡɪmɪk/
translation icon : truco
  • This is just a big marketing gimmick maybe, right?

This is just a big marketing gimmick maybe, right?

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Examples

  • As for wireless charging, it's a nice gimmick, but it's not very efficient yet.

    Blog text (2)
  • It's probably a promotional gimmick.

  • Maybe you need a gimmick, so people notice you.

  • It's just a public service gimmick with the station.

    Fiction book (1993)
  • I feel like this is a gimmick where someone is laughing themselves to the bank.

  • Unfortunately, some people can't see beyond the gimmick long enough to give it a try.

    Blog text (6)
  • "The company is giving them away as promotional gimmicks," he told Mama.

    Fiction book (2002)
  • Listeners fell for the gimmick, and Allen's audience began to drop off.

    Academic text (2007)
  • GE had engaged in exactly the sort of accounting gimmick that eventually brought down Enron.

    Academic text (2017)
  • The magician's latest trick was just a clever gimmick to impress the audience.

Synonyms

stunt
vsgimmick
300 4.9

A dangerous physical trick done to entertain people

is usually a planned clever item rather than a risky physical act
device
vsgimmick
102 4.9

A clever plan used to get a result, often to trick people

is aimed specifically at attracting attention or business
trick
vsgimmick
  • Informal
74 1.6

A playful act done to surprise or make people laugh

is aimed at attracting attention or business rather than simple amusement
novelty
vsgimmick
27 3.9

A small, cheap object bought as a gift or souvenir

is a deliberate clever tactic used to gain attention or business
schtick
vsgimmick
8 8.9

A regular joke or routine a performer uses to get laughs

is a single clever act aimed at publicity rather than a recurring routine
gimcrack
vsgimmick
  • Archaic
1 9.9

A small showy ornament that is cheap and has little value

is a clever attention tactic rather than a worthless trinket
shtik
vsgimmick
  • Slang
9.9

A funny act a performer uses to make people laugh

is used more widely to attract publicity or customers

Antonyms

53 2.7

A calm and honest way of speaking or acting that shows you mean what you say

How Attention-Grabbing

spectacle
68 4.2
stunt
300 4.9
gimmick
64 5.6
trick
764 2.6
gadget
142 2.9
device
2.1

Surface Forms

gimmick singular
gimmicks plural

Etymology

Gimmick began as an informal name for the little tricks and secret devices magicians and salesmen used to get attention. Think of it like a showy gadget or trick meant to catch the eye, which is why a gimmick today is a clever idea or device used to attract interest.