Francis Burdett

Who is this Dashing Fellow?

Francis Burdett

Razzmatazz

English

{was wotd|2008|June|13}

Etymology

Origin uncertain; perhaps an extended form of razzle-dazzle.

Pronunciation

• /ˈɹæz.mə.tæz/
• {rhymes|æz|lang=en}

Noun

1. 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.

2. Empty and tiresome speculation.

   A few politicians are creating some razzmatazz about reinstating the draft.

3. 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?

4. 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.