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razzle-dazzle

razzle-dazzle

4 8.5
A flashy, exciting move used to impress or confuse people
  • noun
  • /ˈræzəlˈdæzəl/
  • Informal
translation icon : espectáculo
  • The big picture: They put on a roaring, rollicking show for you fans, and it's not just all high-tech razzle-dazzle.
  • razzle-dazzle football

Examples

  • Essentially, the subjects played razzle-dazzle football.

    Academic text (1995)
  • In reality, razzle-dazzle football allows more players to pass, catch, and run with the ball during a given down.

    Academic text (1995)
  • First, in razzle-dazzle football, students are allowed to pass more than once and from any place on the field during a down.

    Academic text (1995)
  • Results from the test items appear to have some relation to razzle-dazzle football in the following ways.

    Academic text (1995)
  • All right, now, let's get out there and give them some of that razzle dazzle!

  • It's a fast-paced, razzle-dazzle game that requires quick wits... ...and even faster reflexes.

  • The team used lots of razzle-dazzle during the championship game to impress the fans.

  • She always brings a touch of razzle-dazzle to her performances, captivating the audience with her energy.

  • With all the razzle-dazzle of bright lights and music, the event was truly unforgettable.

Synonyms

spectacle
vsrazzle-dazzle
68 4.2

An impressive event like a parade or fireworks that people come to see

highlights deliberate impressive actions meant to confuse or wow
fanfare
vsrazzle-dazzle
17 5.1

A showy display meant to attract attention

is mainly for attracting notice, not for confusing opponents
razzle
vsrazzle-dazzle
9 9.6

A showy, clever play that confuses or impresses other players

covers wider displays in sports and entertainment beyond plays
razzmatazz
vsrazzle-dazzle
  • Informal
1 9.6

A bright, exciting show that tries to impress or confuse people

is an alternative form with identical meaning
razmataz
vsrazzle-dazzle
  • Informal
9.9

Showy actions that impress and distract people in performances

is a variant form sharing the same sense
showy performance
vsrazzle-dazzle
5.4

A performance that tries to get attention by being loud or dramatic

focuses on impressing or confusing rather than only attracting notice

Antonyms

3 4.1

A state of being usual and not special

1 3.5

Being simple and without decoration

How Flashy

extravaganza
37 7.5
razzle-dazzle
  • Informal
4 8.5
razzle
9 9.6

Surface Forms

razzle-dazzle singular

Morphology

razzle-dazzle = razzle + dazzle (semi-transparent) = razzle + dazzle

The compound combines two verbs meaning to impress or bewilder, so the general sense of a showy display is recoverable, but the rhyming reduplication is idiomatic and 'razzle' is less frequent.

Etymology

Razzle-dazzle comes from two playful parts: razzle (like 'razz', to tease or fool) and dazzle ('to blind or impress'). A helpful way to remember it is to picture a bright, showy move that both impresses the crowd and confuses the opponent, which is why razzle-dazzle means a flashy, confusing display.