razzmatazz

English

WOTD – 13 June 2008

Origin uncertain; perhaps an extended form of razz(le-dazzle).

razzmatazz (usually uncountable, plural razzmatazzes)

Ambiguous or meaningless language.
He says he's late for the meeting because his daughter had an emergency at school, but I don't buy this razzmatazz.
Empty and tiresome speculation.
A few politicians are creating some razzmatazz about reinstating the draft.
(informal) Something presenting itself in a fanciful and showy, often unrealistic manner, especially when intended to impress and confuse.
Is he really the next big thing, or is all the media attention just a bunch of razzmatazz?
(rare) A long and imposing series of mindless but necessary tasks; drudgery.
When I finally got done dealing with all the razzmatazz of college registration, I decided to go out and have a drink.

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