bells and whistles

plural noun

, Informal.

1. features added to a product; special parts or functions; extras.

bells and whistles

plural noun

1. additional features or accessories which are nonessential but very attractive

   my car has all the latest bells and whistles

2. additions, such as options or warranties, made to a financial product to increase its market appeal

Word History and Origins

Origin of bells and whistles¹

First recorded in 1970–75

Word History and Origins

Origin of bells and whistles¹

C20: from the bells and whistles which used to decorate fairground organs

Example Sentences

It's not a gimmick or a schtick, this is a fully-fledged game of football, at Cliftonhill on Saturday at three o'clock, with all the bells and whistles and with three points on the line.

From BBC

Even when taking into account efforts like Elon Musk’s supposed army of paid volunteers, Harris’s on-the-ground efforts are three times the size of Trump’s, according to the Washington Post: “She boasts more staff, more volunteers, a larger surrogate operation, more digital advertising, a more sophisticated smartphone-based organizing program and extra money for extraneous bells and whistles typically reserved for corporate product launches and professional sports championships.”

From Salon

“Do I want the smartphone with all the bells and whistles, or do I want to have something that can actually help me have a more considered approach to digital? That's the choice we want to deliver,” he said.

From BBC

The technological bells and whistles packed into newer cars can drive up the cost of a potential claim.

From Los Angeles Times

An attendant in black dress pants, a white short-sleeve button down, and a tie asks if I want the $10 or extra bells and whistles $15 wash.

From Salon