spaz

American  

[spaz] / spæz /

Or spazz

noun

1. an awkward or clumsy person.

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verb (used without object)

spazzed, spazzing

1. to move in an awkward or clumsy way (usually followed byout ).

   She spazzed out and we had broken glass all over the floor.

2. to become more angry than a situation warrants (usually followed byout ).

   Mom spazzed out when she smelled cigarette smoke on my clothes.

3. to twitch.

   He was spazzing and muttering to himself, like the old speed freak he is.

Sensitive Note

See spastic.

Etymology

Origin of spaz

First recorded in 1960–65; shortening and alteration of spastic

Example Sentences

Unlike the other dissenting mods, Halvorson defended Musk himself, claiming that “there is no chance this was intended as a Nazi salute” and chalking the gesture up to the Tesla CEO’s “being an enthusiastic spaz.”

From Slate

Diviney last year called out Beyonce and Lizzo on Twitter for using 'spaz', a derogatory term for spastic diplegia, in their songs.

From Reuters

I go back and I really struggle with watching myself, not to be too neurotic because it’s not good for our mental health, but just seeing I was such a spaz, that’s probably one of my biggest regrets.

From Los Angeles Times

Toward the end of his letter, Cedillo turns toward a broader discussion of cancel culture, referencing a recent controversy that led to the singer Lizzo using — then removing — the word “spaz” from a song.

From Los Angeles Times

In June, a social media firestorm led singer-songwriter Lizzo to change lyrics in her song “Grrrls” after disability advocates pointed out that a word in its original version, “spaz,” is considered an ableist slur.

From Washington Post