razzle-dazzle

[raz-uh l-daz-uh l] /ˈræz əlˈdæz əl/
noun, Informal.
1.
showiness, brilliance, or virtuosity in technique or effect, often without concomitant substance or worth; flashy theatricality:
The razzle-dazzle of the essay's metaphors cannot disguise its shallowness of thought.
2.
Chiefly Football. deceptive action typically consisting of a series of complex maneuvers, as a double reverse or hand-off, usually executed in a flashy manner:
a team relying more on power and speed than razzle-dazzle.
3.
confusion, commotion, or riotous gaiety.
adjective
4.
impressively opulent or decorative, especially in a new way; showy; flashy; eye-catching:
a shopping center lined with razzle-dazzle boutiques.
5.
energetic, dynamic, or innovative:
razzle-dazzle technology; a razzle-dazzle sales pitch.
Origin
1890-95; rhyming compound based on dazzle
British Dictionary definitions for razzle-dazzle

razzle-dazzle

/ˈræzəlˈdæzəl/
noun
1.
(slang) noisy or showy fuss or activity
Word Origin
C19: rhyming compound based on dazzle
Word Origin and History for razzle-dazzle
n.

1886, American English slang, varied reduplication of dazzle (q.v.).

My confrère, The Chevalier, last month gave a new name to the scarfs of disjointed pattern when he called them the razzle-dazzle. The name was evidently a hit of the most patent character, for in several avenue and Broadway stores the clerks have thrown out a display of broken figures before me and explained that the ruling style at present was the razzle-dazzle, and the word seems to have been equally effective with the public, for when it is quoted by the live salesman, the customer, I am told is at once interested and caught by it. ["Clothier and Furnisher" magazine, Jan. 1889]
Meaning "state of confusion" is from 1889.

Slang definitions & phrases for razzle-dazzle

razzle-dazzle

adjective

: its razzle-dazzle weapons and command and control systems

modifier

: a razzledazzle quarterback

noun
  1. Adroit deception; slick dodging and feinting; dipsy-doodle, razzmatazz: suspecting some sort of razzle-dazzle (1898+)
  2. Excitement; gaudiness; spectacular show: put razzle-dazzle into the grocery business (1889+)
  3. An exciting carnival ride (1935+ Carnival)

[probably a reduplication of dazzle]