Razzmatazz

Part of speech: noun

Pronunciation: /ˈɹæz.mə.tæz/

Definitions

1. Showy exuberance combined with deceptive verbiage meant to dazzle and confuse
2. A flashy or impressive presentation intended to attract attention ; a vibrant and dynamic environment full of energy and excitement
3. An ostentatious and flamboyant style that captivates the audience ; an atmosphere characterized by spirited and lively activity

Etymology: "Razzmatazz" first appears in print in 1888 in the form "razz-ma-taz," and its origin is uncertain. The most widely suggested source is "razzle-dazzle," the American slang term for a showy, bewildering display, with "razzmatazz" perhaps an extended form of it. The word's sound seems to have been shaped by the same playful instinct that produced "pizzazz," which shares its bouncy rhythm and its sense of glittering energy. The word's meaning has stayed close to that original flash. It describes an ostentatious, showy style that grabs attention, and also a lively, bustling atmosphere, as when a crowd or a performance is buzzing with activity. Its rhythm does much of the work: the repeated "-zz" and "-tazz" sounds mimic the quick, dazzling motion they describe.

Synonyms: flamboyance, showiness, spectacle

Antonyms: seriousness, plainness