Gimmickry: meaning, definitions and examples

This term is used to describe the use of clever or novel devices or actions, especially to attract attention or to sell products. It's often associated with marketing and advertising.

• The new smartphone's hologram feature is just a bit of gimmickry to boost sales.
• The politician's promise seemed like pure gimmickry to win votes.

Trickery is the activity of using tricks to deceive or cheat people. It is often used in a negative sense to describe dishonest actions and manipulation.

• The scam artist was known for his trickery and deceit.
• In the game of poker, players often resort to trickery to win.

Deception implies deliberately causing someone to believe something that is not true, either to gain an advantage or to mislead. It has a strong negative connotation and is often used in contexts involving dishonesty or betrayal.

• His deception was eventually uncovered, and he was fired from his job.
• The magician's act involved deception, but the audience enjoyed being fooled.

Sleight of hand is commonly used to refer to skillful tricks done with the hands, usually by magicians. It can also be used metaphorically to describe clever actions someone uses to deceive others, without a strong negative connotation.

• The magician's sleight of hand left the audience in awe.
• Through some sleight of hand in accounting, the company appeared more profitable.

This word is often used to describe actions or devices that are showy or unusual but might lack real substance or value. It can have a negative connotation.

• The politician's promises turned out to be nothing more than gimmickry.
• The new product's features felt like pure gimmickry to attract attention.

A ploy is a clever plan or strategy used to gain an advantage, often in a deceptive or manipulative way. It carries a slightly negative connotation.

• The sale was just a ploy to get people into the store.
• He used a clever ploy to distract his opponent.

This word typically refers to a complicated or dangerous action, often performed for entertainment or attention. It can also be used metaphorically to describe an attention-seeking action.

• The movie's stunts were incredibly impressive.
• His resignation was seen as a political stunt to draw attention.

This refers to devices, especially electronic or mechanical ones, that are designed for a particular function. It is typically neutral and is used when talking about various gadgets.

• Her kitchen is filled with the latest gadgetry for cooking.
• Modern gadgetry has made our lives much more convenient.