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

The best magic is not about a clever gimmick but telling a really good story.

From Washington Post

I’m not in favor of a regional transportation plan that’s filled with gimmicks and somehow manages to maintain the status quo.

From Voice of San Diego

Once considered a collegiate gimmick that hid some quarterback weaknesses, the offense has recently produced a bevy of NFL starters, including Kyler Murray, Baker Mayfield and Jared Goff.

From Washington Post

Part of the selling point, beyond just the gimmick of the hologram’s next-level verisimilitude, is its interactivity.

From TechCrunch

The messaging company has implemented a couple of internal automated games and gimmicks, like a bot that reminds people twice a day to check in on a game called Animal Crossing, fostering connections between employees.

From Fortune

Critics praised his crooning, even if they regarded it little more than a gimmick.

From The Daily Beast

All joking aside, what was once considered an expensive gimmick is on the verge of going mainstream.

From The Daily Beast

The old showbiz saying is “you gotta have a gimmick,” and Minaj has wisely gotten a few.

From The Daily Beast

But, beyond all that, she has made her butt her biggest gimmick.

From The Daily Beast

Daylyt downplayed the gimmick, later claiming on Twitter that it was his way of saying he was finished with battle rap.

From The Daily Beast

It's the gimmick that makes rich Spaniards fuel and hide submarines in the Caribbean—you know that for a fact yourself.

From Project Gutenberg

Everyone had a little sideline, a gimmick, to put one over on whoever was gullible enough to swallow it.

From Project Gutenberg

I nodded, looking for the gimmick that made this a paying proposition for good old Tangiers Mutual.

From Project Gutenberg

You're going to keep up with me, drink for drink, until I can eyeprint that gimmick of yours—or else I stop drinking.

From Project Gutenberg

This gimmick makes it possible for citizens to raise and decide issues directly.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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