gimmick

American  

[gim-ik] / ˈgɪm ɪk /

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.

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verb (used with object)

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

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

verb (used without object)

1. to resort to gimmickry, especially habitually.

gimmick British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

• gimmicker noun
• gimmickry noun
• gimmicky adjective
• ungimmicky adjective

Etymology

Origin of gimmick

An Americanism dating back to 1925–30; origin uncertain

Example Sentences

Not as a gimmick to please the King.

From Los Angeles Times

One comic gimmick involves Appa’s superhuman grip that can subdue even the mightiest of men.

From Los Angeles Times

That project would have served as a serviceable foundation for a career that expanded into more meaningful social critique, but Mr. Arsham has continued to rely on the same gimmick for over a decade.

From The Wall Street Journal

Indeed, even without its central gimmick, “Company Retreat” would still make a decent sitcom; there are funny characters speaking funny lines; there’s some good slapstick.

From Los Angeles Times

A statement said: "Utterly destroying HG Wells' classic novel, director Rich Lee... chose a goofy gimmick, hack dialogue, and a particularly hilarious performance by its lead, Ice Cube, to seize 2025's biggest number of statues."

From BBC

Related Words

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