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.
In the years leading up to the pandemic, low interest rates fueled borrowing binges across higher education to build snazzy academic buildings and dorms.
From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 31, 2025
There’s a photo in there of her in her trailer in her snazzy costume, editing her book.
From Salon • Apr. 8, 2025
The Ocean was envisioned as a competitor to Tesla’s Model Y, but Fisker had trouble making and delivering the snazzy SUV through a direct sales model borrowed from Tesla.
From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 24, 2024
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
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.
