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

When the new Border Security Command was announced, Conservative former home secretary James Cleverly suggested it was a "gimmick" and accused Labour of making up a job that already existed.

From BBC

Some would also call it a gimmick, which is partly true, except that not even Ogden could seriously have calculated that the song and the story behind it would really catch on.

From BBC

“No more gimmicks. No more gesture politics. No more irresponsible, undeliverable promises.”

From BBC

"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

Related Words

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