gimmicks
Attention-grabbing stunts
Gimmicks are clever devices, tricks, or features designed to attract attention or make something seem more appealing than it really is.
The word usually implies superficiality—a gimmick draws you in but doesn't deliver substance: The product relies on gimmicks rather than quality.
Marketing gimmicks, sales gimmicks, and publicity gimmicks all suggest manipulation over merit.
In magic and entertainment, a gimmick is a secret device that makes a trick work.
Calculated strategy, often secretive
- stratagemDeceptive plan for advantage
- ruseDeliberate act of deception
- maneuverDeliberate tactical movement
- tacticPlanned action for advantage
deception · subterfuge · artifice · feint · dodge · con · scam · hoax
Rank increase or publicity
- brandingCreating distinctive identity
- advertisingPaid promotional communication
- campaignOrganized effort toward goal
- sloganMemorable promotional phrase
jingle · buzzword · catchphrase · viral · stunt · publicity · endorsement · infomercial
Constructed tool or machine
- gizmoNameless mechanical device
- widgetUnspecified small device
- contraptionImprovised or odd mechanism
- doohickeyPlaceholder word for objects
thingamajig · novelty item · trinket · gewgaw · knickknack · doodad · whatchamacallit · tchotchke
Thing that tempts
- baitLure for prey
- hookCurved catching device
- drawCreate with pencil
- attractionPull toward something
allure · incentive · inducement · temptation · appeal · sweetener · carrot · enticement
Short-lived enthusiasm
- trendDirection of change
- crazeShort-lived popular obsession
- flash in the panShort-lived success
- flavor of the monthPassing popular preference
one-hit wonder · passing fancy · nine-day wonder · gag gift · kitsch · camp · quirk · oddity
scheme
Calculated strategy, often secretive
- stratagemDeceptive plan for advantage
- ruseDeliberate act of deception
- maneuverDeliberate tactical movement
tactic · deception · subterfuge · artifice · feint · dodge · con · scam · hoax · swindle
promotion
Rank increase or publicity
- brandingCreating distinctive identity
- advertisingPaid promotional communication
- campaignOrganized effort toward goal
slogan · jingle · buzzword · catchphrase · viral · stunt · publicity · endorsement · infomercial · teaser
device
Constructed tool or machine
- gizmoNameless mechanical device
- widgetUnspecified small device
- contraptionImprovised or odd mechanism
doohickey · thingamajig · novelty item · trinket · gewgaw · knickknack · doodad · whatchamacallit · tchotchke · gimcrack
lure
Thing that tempts
attraction · allure · incentive · inducement · temptation · appeal · sweetener · carrot · enticement · come-on
fad
Short-lived enthusiasm
- trendDirection of change
- crazeShort-lived popular obsession
- flash in the panShort-lived success
flavor of the month · one-hit wonder · passing fancy · nine-day wonder · gag gift · kitsch · camp · quirk · oddity · curiosity
- noveltieswhoopee cushion, whoopee cushions, rubber chicken, rubber chickens, fake vomit
- extrasextra, add-ons, add-on, extras, addition
gimmickssubstance
Physical material with mass
authenticity · the real thing · sincerity · legitimacy · straightforwardness
gimmicksreal value
True underlying worth
substance · fundamentals · essentials · depth · quality
gimmicksfundamentals
Core elements of something
classics · traditions · staples · mainstays · bedrock
gimmick, gimmicky, gimmickry, gimmicked, gimmickiest, gimmickier