réclame

réclame

A sly réclame tries to trick a crow into dropping its cheese.

Definition

Noun (rare, chiefly in historical or literary contexts): - Advertisement or publicity: "réclame" refers to a form of self-promotion, often through art or performance, designed to attract public attention or acclaim. It can also mean the fame or notoriety gained from such publicity. - A type of theatrical or artistic hype: In 19th-century French and English usage, "réclame" described the deliberate creation of scandal or spectacle to draw crowds, especially in the entertainment industry.

Note: The reference definition you provided ("con cáo" — meaning "fox" in Vietnamese) appears to be a mistranslation or a different word ("renard" in French means fox). The correct English meaning of "réclame" is derived from French, where it means "advertising" or "self-promotion."

Usage Examples
  • Noun:
    • The artist’s eccentric behavior was mere réclame to boost ticket sales. (The artist used scandal as a form of publicity.)
    • The play succeeded not because of its quality, but because of the réclame surrounding its controversial themes. (The play gained fame through deliberate hype.)
    • He sought réclame above all else, craving the spotlight of public attention. (He desired fame through self-promotion.)
Advanced Usage

  • "A piece of réclame": a specific act or item designed for self-advertisement.

    • The elaborate costume was a piece of réclame, intended to be photographed and discussed. (The costume was a deliberate promotional tool.)

  • "To make réclame": to actively promote oneself or one's work in a showy manner.

    • The novelist made réclame by staging a public dispute with a critic. (The novelist created a scandal to gain publicity.)
Variants and Related Words

  • Réclame (adj, rare): relating to or characterized by self-promotion.

    • His réclame antics were mocked by serious critics. (His attention-seeking behaviour was ridiculed.)

  • Reclameur (n, French borrowing, very rare): a person who seeks réclame.

    • The reclameur was more interested in fame than in art. (The self-promoter prioritised publicity.)
Synonyms
  • Publicity: the attention or notice given by the media or public.
  • Hype: extravagant or intensive promotion of a product or person.
  • Notoriety: the state of being famous for something bad or controversial.
  • Self-advertisement: the act of promoting oneself.
Related Idioms

  • "To court réclame": to seek fame or attention deliberately.

    • The director courted réclame by casting a controversial actor. (The director deliberately sought publicity.)

  • "Réclame for its own sake": publicity pursued without regard for artistic merit.

    • The exhibition was criticized as réclame for its own sake. (The exhibition was seen as mere self-promotion.)