snazzy
Americanadjective
adjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of snazzy
First recorded in 1930–35; origin uncertain
Explanation
If your grandma comments on your snazzy outfit, she means that it looks fancy and trend. In other words, it's a compliment. Snazzy is an informal, slightly old-fashioned word for stylish, fashionable things, especially clothing. Your snazzy new red patent leather boots might look great but not keep your feet warm, and your snazzy silk dress is probably too dressy for a regular school day. Snazzy is an American English invention dating from 1932. Experts guess that it either comes from the Irish snas, "good appearance," or a combination of snappy and jazz.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
It now appears in a snazzy paperback edition from New York Review Books.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 2026
There’s a photo in there of her in her trailer in her snazzy costume, editing her book.
From Salon • Apr. 8, 2025
No catchy tune, no snazzy outfits, no slick dance routines.
From New York Times • May 12, 2024
L’Impératrice No matter who is playing against L’Impératrice on Friday at Coachella, I recommend ditching them in favor of the French sextet with the snazzy stagewear.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2024
Loud, snazzy pop music plays on the radio.
From "X: A Novel" by Ilyasah Shabazz
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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.