tizzy

American  

[tiz-ee] / ˈtɪz i /

noun

plural

tizzies

1. Slang.

   1. a dither.

   2. a nervous, excited, or distracted state.

2. British Obsolete. a sixpence.

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tizzy British  

/ ˈtɪzɪ /

noun

1. Also called: tizz.   tiz-woz.  informal a state of confusion, anxiety, or excitement

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Etymology

Origin of tizzy

First recorded in 1795–1805; origin uncertain

Explanation

If you're feeling nervous and agitated, you're in a tizzy. If you dislike public speaking, you might be in a tizzy about an upcoming presentation you're giving at school. The noun tizzy can be positive or negative. So you may get into a tizzy about a big party you're throwing next week, feeling anxious and excited simultaneously. But you can also be in a tizzy about your terrible grade on a math test. Experts aren't sure about the origin of this informal American word, although they know it's been in use since the 1930s.

Example Sentences

The age estimator sent some Spotify listeners into a tizzy over being declared decades older and, by some interpretations, perhaps not-so-cool.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 4, 2025

This week, he phoned Jeff Bezos in a tizzy, furious over a reported Amazon plan to show consumers how much of each product’s price owed to the new tariffs on imported goods.

From Slate • May 2, 2025

The rule sent the industry into a tizzy, with the main concern that buyers, especially those who qualify for zero-down programs, won’t be willing or able to pay those commissions out of pocket.

From Salon • Sep. 14, 2024

“They won’t fit until Saturday,” he said, sending the internet into a tizzy about what the Challengers star could possibly be wearing for her return to the infamous Met steps.

From BBC • May 6, 2024

The workroom was in a tizzy as Miss Lacey, the models, and the seamstresses rushed about.

From "The Red Car to Hollywood" by Jennie Liu

Related Words

• agitation
• disorientation
• dither
• flap
• fluster
• lather