noun
- an ingenious or novel device, scheme, or stratagem, especially one designed to attract attention or increase appeal.
- a concealed, usually devious aspect or feature of something, as a plan or deal: An offer that good must have a gimmick in it somewhere.
- a hidden mechanical device by which a magician works a trick or a gambler controls a game of chance.
- Electronics Informal. a capacitor formed by intertwining two insulated wires.
verb (used with object)
- to equip or embellish with unnecessary features, especially in order to increase salability, acceptance, etc. (often followed by up): to gimmick up a sports car with chrome and racing stripes.
verb (used without object)
- to resort to gimmickry, especially habitually.
noun
- something designed to attract extra attention, interest, or publicity
- any clever device, gadget, or stratagem, esp one used to deceive
- mainly US a device or trick of legerdemain that enables a magician to deceive the audience
1926 (in Maine & Grant’s “Wise-Crack Dictionary,” which defines it as “a device used for making a fair game crooked”), American English, perhaps an alteration of gimcrack, or an anagram of magic.