Something given free to promote a product or business, or a revealing action that unintentionally shows a secret.
From 'give' (Old English 'gifan') + 'away' (Old English 'aweg'). Originally used in radio/TV contexts in the 1920s when stations would 'give away' prizes to listeners.
The term exploded during the Great Depression when radio stations used giveaways to attract listeners—it was one of the first forms of broadcast marketing, and it actually helped save the radio industry by keeping people tuned in.
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