raz·zle–daz·zle
Pronunciation: \ˌra-zəl-ˈda-zəl\
Function: noun
Etymology: reduplication of dazzle
Date: 1889
1 : a state of confusion or hilarity
2 : a complex maneuver (as in sports) designed to confuse an opponent
3 : a confusing or colorful often gaudy action or display
— razzle–dazzle adjective
The repetition of the sound of the words, coupled by the hyphen (always a good tipoff of gnomish work wankery) are the tells, here. What's "razzle" without the "dazzle?" In fact, it's nothing. There simply IS no "razzle." Maybe the "razzle" is the gnomish hitchhiker to the otherwise innocent "dazzle" -- maybe "razzle" is a gnomish syntactical retrovirus. "Razzle" certainly seems like it could be a gnomish name ("Razzle Q. Ambercrombie, at your service!")
Again, the Victorians are to blame for this word. Clearly, the Victorian penchant for whimsy revivalism (perhaps a byproduct of their repressive nature in other areas) opened the door wide for gnomish incursions.
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