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.
See Examples For:
The two favorites, an Itala imported from Turin, Italy, and a snazzy yellow American-made Acme, could not keep up in rough terrain.
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 21, 2026
The couple, otherwise known as Thomas Ernest Boulton and Frederick William Park, appeared on the London stage — and often out and about in public — in snazzy women’s attire.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 24, 2025
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
“You need a snazzy name for the contest,” Elizabeth’s grandmother says.
From "A Place at the Table" by Saadia Faruqi and Laura Shovan
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Though Mr Dunstan, a cabinetmaker who also owns a somewhat snazzier electric Volvo SUV, hasn't quite fallen in love with the aging Leaf.
From BBC ● Oct. 16, 2025
By year end it will place its new clothing and home decor in snazzier displays in the revamped facilities.
From Reuters ● Jun. 15, 2023
It sort of feels like an elevated Fitbit with a much more premium build quality and a snazzier OS to boot.
From The Verge ● May 18, 2022
The snazzier AMG GLC 43 packs a turbocharged V6 that makes 385 horsepower.
From Seattle Times ● Feb. 16, 2022
The Tony Awards are, generally, less boring than the Oscars and snazzier than the Emmys.
From New York Times ● Jun. 10, 2016
Ranking the 2019 NFL sideline hats: Who has the snazziest headgear this season?….
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 30, 2019
And the hotel was wonderful — old and ornate but not rundown, and the rate was a relative bargain compared with the snazziest hotels in Vienna or Berlin.
From New York Times ● Aug. 24, 2017
I think we all know what the Olympics are really about and that is arguing about which country has the snazziest tracksuit.
From The Guardian ● Aug. 6, 2012
Moving as fast and recklessly as a trillion-dollar fat-finger stock-market transaction, the film has the drive, luxe and sarcastic wit of the snazziest Hollywood movies for most of its two-hours-plus running time.
From Time ● Sep. 23, 2010
In addition to the creative songs Mom wrote, she had an inherent sense of style, and she bought me the snazziest outfits.
From "How Dare the Sun Rise" by Sandra Uwiringiyimana
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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.