The word gimmick refers to a clever or unusual device, idea, or feature that is designed to attract attention or to serve a specific purpose, often in a way that is considered superficial or deceptive. Gimmicks are often used in marketing, advertising, and entertainment to differentiate products or events, but they may not hold substantial value beyond their initial appeal.
The origin of the word gimmick is somewhat uncertain, but it is believed to have appeared in the American English language in the early 20th century. Some sources suggest it may have originated from a slang term among magicians or from a variation of "gimcrack," which refers to a showy but worthless object.