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razzmatazz

/ˌræz(ə)məˈtæz/
IPA guide

The noun razzmatazz is a colorful way to talk about activity that's meant to impress or distract people with its showiness. Your brother's magic trick might be truly remarkable, or it may be nothing but a bunch of razzmatazz.

The razzmatazz of a politician's television ads can hide the fact that she doesn't really have anything new to say about the issues, and the razzmatazz of a marching band's fancy uniforms might distract from the fact that the instruments are all out of tune. The noun razzmatazz probably came from razzle-dazzle, or "showiness," and it's probably also connected to jazz, both the word and the music itself.

Definitions of razzmatazz
  1. noun
    any exciting and complex play intended to confuse (dazzle) the opponent
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    type of:
    play
    a preset plan of action in team sports
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