zhuzh

American  

[zhoozh] / ʒʊʒ /

Sometimes zhoush. or zhoosh

verb (used with object)

1. to make (something) more lively and interesting, stylish, or appealing, as by a small change or addition (usually followed byup ).

   These colorful throw pillows are an easy way to zhuzh up your living room.

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noun

1. the act of giving something lively interest, style, or appeal, or the fact of having these qualities: I’ve been told my writing could use a little more zhuzh.

   Give your hair a quick zhuzh with a curling iron and mousse.

   I’ve been told my writing could use a little more zhuzh.

Etymology

Origin of zhuzh

First recorded in 1965–70 in the sense “clothing”; the current sense was first recorded in 1975–80; possibly from Polari “to fix, tidy,” or Romani zhouzhou “clean, neat,” but more likely imitative of someone rushing around

Example Sentences

Brendan Foley, chief executive of spice maker McCormick, said in June that consumers are buying more seasonings to zhuzh up home-cooked meals.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 28, 2025

Food and Nutrition Board recommendation of eight glasses of water a day, it tracks that we’d want to zhuzh up the ritual.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 22, 2024

Even Sam Elliott as Dalton’s mentor Wade provides the film with some zhuzh.

From Salon • Mar. 22, 2024

If you want professional advice and need to seriously zhuzh up your house, you’ll spend at least a few hundred dollars.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 24, 2023

Staged at Christmastime and performed throughout much of the Anglophone world, pantos take classic fairy tales and zhuzh them up with famous guest stars, topical humor and song parodies.

From New York Times • Dec. 24, 2020