(~s)
1.
If you describe something as a ~, you disapprove of it because it is unnecessary and artificial. (FORMAL)
They wear simple clothes and shun modern ~s...
Music with a tendency towards ~ and lack of substance.
N-VAR disapproval
2.
A ~ is an unfair or dishonest scheme or trick to gain an advantage for yourself.
...some ~ to raise prices.
= ploy
N-COUNT