ENGLISH
REFERENCE

gimmick

n. countable
C1 Advanced US //ˈɡɪmɪk// UK //ɡˈɪmɪk// gim·mick

n. a clever trick or unusual idea used to get people's attention. It is often used to sell a product, but it might not be very useful or high-quality.

n. a clever or unusual device, idea, or object used primarily to attract attention or increase appeal. Often carries a negative connotation of being superficial or lacking intrinsic value.


SIMPLE

The flashing lights are just a marketing gimmick.

CONTEXTUAL

The smartphone manufacturer added a folding screen, but many reviewers dismissed it as a gimmick that didn't improve the user experience.

COMPLEX

While the initial hype focused on the voice-control feature, critics soon argued it was a mere gimmick designed to mask the hardware's lack of significant innovation.

Synonyms
Origin

Unknown. Possibly a rough anagram of magic or from gimme.

Usage

Often used with the verb 'to be' or 'to dismiss as'.

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