Printer Friendly
The Free Dictionary
1,036,359,266 visitors served.
?
Dictionary/
thesaurus
Medical
dictionary
Legal
dictionary
Financial
dictionary
Acronyms
 
Idioms
Encyclopedia
Wikipedia
encyclopedia
?

bells and whistles

   Also found in: Dictionary/thesaurus, Financial, Acronyms, Idioms 0.03 sec.

A slang English term for exceptional features in some product. In the computer field, it typically refers to functions in software that may be greatly appreciated by some users, even though they may not be necessary most of the time. Bells and whistles are extra "goodies" that are often added to help make the product more appealing. Contrast with plain vanilla.

(jargon)bells and whistles - (By analogy with the "toyboxes" on theatre organs). Features added to a program or system to make it more flavourful from a hacker's point of view, without necessarily adding to its utility for its primary function. Distinguished from chrome, which is intended to attract users. "Now that we've got the basic program working, let's go back and add some bells and whistles." No one seems to know what distinguishes a bell from a whistle.
?Page tools
Printer friendly
Cite / link
 Email
Feedback
? Mentioned in ? References in periodicals archive
 
There's no need for bells and whistles, and text also avoids spam filters.
Agora's phenomenally successful The Daily Reckoning offers tips by The Newsletter on Newsletters
Reminding residents that the project is still in its conceptual phase, Steele said the arena would resemble a mini-Staples Center but with all the bells and whistles.
SPORTS CENTER PLAN DRAWS OPPOSITION by Daily News (Los Angeles, CA)
With a 13-inch widescreen display and all the bells and whistles of the Pro model, the notebook offers education pricing from $1,049 for the 1.
A whole bushel by McClure, Ann / University Business
More results
 
Encyclopedia browser? ? Full browser
 
 
Encyclopedia
?

Disclaimer | Privacy policy | Feedback | Copyright © 2008 Farlex, Inc.
All content on this website, including dictionary, thesaurus, literature, geography, and other reference data is for informational purposes only. This information should not be considered complete, up to date, and is not intended to be used in place of a visit, consultation, or advice of a legal, medical, or any other professional.. Terms of Use.