gimmick
/ˈɡɪmɪk
/noun
A trick or device intended to attract attention, publicity, or trade: it is not so much a programme to improve services as a gimmick to gain votes sales gimmicks such as free trips it’s foolish to dismiss it as nothing more than a gimmick a fund-raising gimmick...
- It seems a contrivance, a gimmick designed to get attention, which it does.
- They are glossy, glib and trot out all the gimmicks and tricks to catch your attention - and are pointless as anything other than that.
- He challenged the Government to reveal the full cost to taxpayers of what he termed a publicity gimmick.
Synonyms
publicity device, stunt, contrivance, eye-catching novelty, scheme, trick, dodge, ploy, stratagem;
loss-leader
informal shtick
Origin
1920s (originally US): of unknown origin but possibly an approximate anagram of magic, the original sense being 'a piece of magicians' apparatus'.