Word
gimmick
Phoneticsgim·mick, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈɡɪmɪk/
UK/ɡˈɪmɪk/
Countable noun
Definition
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.
Examples
“The flashing lights are just a marketing gimmick.”
“The smartphone manufacturer added a folding screen, but many reviewers dismissed it as a gimmick that didn't improve the user experience.”
“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.”
Examples
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.”
Usage
Often used with the verb 'to be' or 'to dismiss as'.
Real-World Examples
“While a luminescent product may seem a bit of a gimmick, ice cream is a serious business and innovation is crucial to staying ahead of the game.” “But Labour, the Conservatives, the Liberal Democrats, the Greens and Restore Britain decided not to stand candidates against him, branding the contest a "gimmick" and a "circus".” Etymology
Unknown. Possibly a rough anagram of magic or from gimme.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/gimmick