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

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

Then came Saturday night, when she learned about “spaz” popping up yet again in Beyoncé’s new album.

From Washington Post

Beyoncé’s representatives did not immediately respond to a request for comment from The Post early Tuesday or answer whether the artist had known about Lizzo’s “spaz” lyric.

From Washington Post