A hidden condition, trick, or catch that makes an offer or situation less simple than it first appears.
Examples
The trial is free for a month, but what's the gimmick?
There was no gimmick. The tickets really were half price.
The offer sounded great until I found the gimmick in the fine print.
He asked about the gimmick before signing the contract.
The plan has one gimmick. You must pay the fee upfront.
Everyone wanted to know the gimmick behind the cheap subscription.
Similar words
catch
trick
condition
snag
angle
catch-22
Add a gimmick to something
verb
business
informal
To change, decorate, or promote something by adding a gimmick, often to make it seem more exciting or saleable.
Examples
The studio gimmicked up the trailer with fake drama.
They gimmicked the bottle with a flashing label.
The candidate tried to gimmick the policy with a catchy name.
The game was gimmicked up with unnecessary motion controls.
Do not gimmick the presentation if the idea is strong.
The brand gimmicks every launch with a limited-edition color.
Similar words
decorate
dress up
hype
promote
package
embellish
Etymology
The origin is uncertain. The word appeared in American English in the early 1900s, first with senses connected to a clever device or trick. Some explanations connect it with magic or with showy, low-value objects, but no single origin is secure.
FAQ
What does gimmick mean?
A gimmick is a trick, feature, or idea used to attract attention, interest, or sales, often with little real value.
Is gimmick a negative word?
It is often mildly negative, because it suggests showiness or manipulation rather than real substance.
What is a marketing gimmick?
A marketing gimmick is a sales or publicity trick used to make people notice or buy something.
What does what's the gimmick mean?
It means what is the hidden catch or trick? It is often used when an offer seems too good to be true.
Can gimmick be used as a verb?
Yes. To gimmick something, or gimmick it up, means to add a showy trick or feature to it.
What are synonyms of gimmick?
Useful synonyms include trick, ploy, stunt, hook, catch, and novelty, depending on the sense.
What is the adjective form of gimmick?
The adjective is gimmicky, meaning showy, attention-seeking, or relying too much on gimmicks.
Comments & contributions
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