gimmick

[ gim-ik ]

noun

1. an ingenious or novel device, scheme, or stratagem, especially one designed to attract attention or increase appeal.

   Synonyms: angle, ploy, ruse, plan, stunt

2. a concealed, usually devious aspect or feature of something, as a plan or deal:

   An offer that good must have a gimmick in it somewhere.

3. a hidden mechanical device by which a magician works a trick or a gambler controls a game of chance.
4. Electronics Informal. a capacitor formed by intertwining two insulated wires.

verb (used with object)

1. to equip or embellish with unnecessary features, especially in order to increase salability, acceptance, etc. (often followed by up ):

   to gimmick up a sports car with chrome and racing stripes.

verb (used without object)

1. to resort to gimmickry, especially habitually.

gimmick

/ ˈɡɪmɪk /

noun

1. something designed to attract extra attention, interest, or publicity
2. any clever device, gadget, or stratagem, esp one used to deceive
3. a device or trick of legerdemain that enables a magician to deceive the audience

Derived Forms

• ˈgimmicky, adjective
• ˈgimmickry, noun

Other Words From

• gimmick·er noun
• gimmick·y adjective
• un·gimmick·y adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of gimmick¹

An Americanism dating back to 1925–30; origin uncertain

Word History and Origins

Origin of gimmick¹

C20: originally US slang, of unknown origin

Example Sentences

"I pitched this idea to Dianne to have a moment of darkness instead of something that was a gimmick," McCausland said.

From BBC

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

PFL turns to boxing's blueprint – gimmick or genius?

From BBC

Music business journalist Eamonn Forde called it a "marketing gimmick".

From BBC

Sure, the Hanks, Wright and Zemeckis trio supplies the gimmick of a “Forrest Gump” reunion, but why do we have to de-age Hanks when there are his real-life sons Colin and Truman at home?

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• artifice
• device
• fun
• gadget
• gizmo
• instrument
• maneuver
• method
• ploy
• ruse
• stratagem
• stunt
• trick