Definition:
: complex maneuvers (as in a competitive sport) designed to confuse the opponent
About the Word:
Before razzle-dazzle was the term du jour to refer to showboating in sports, it referred to a state of confusion (and also occasionally to something, such as a type of fast-moving carousel, that was designed to induce confusion).
But we've enough reduplicative words for confusion, what with all the pell-mell, helter-skelter, hugger-mugger, and general topsy-turviness, so it's fine if razzle-dazzle decided to move to a less crowded portion of the semantic field.
Example:
"It is too often the case that 'guzzle-guzzle' is taken for 'razzle-dazzle.' This is a slight mistake that should be steered clear of." — Trenton Evening Times, 24 November 1888
