gimmick
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.
“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.”
Often used with the verb 'to be' or 'to dismiss as'.
“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".”
Unknown. Possibly a rough anagram of magic or from gimme.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.