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

Explanation

To zhuzh is to give something a quick touch-up to make it more attractive or interesting. You could zhuzh your math notebook by gluing sparkly rhinestones on it, or zhuzh a Christmas tree with some extra tinsel. Etymologists suspect that zhuzh is derived from an 18th-century British slang used by theater and circus performers. Its current usage dates from the 1970s. Whenever you spike your hair with gel to give it some extra height, you zhuzh in. You might see owners zhuzh their pups' coats before a dog show or watch your dad zhuzh the ends of his handlebar mustache in the mirror. And if your bedroom is boring, just zhuzh it with some party lights!

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

Some of the other terms related to food and how it is made are "emping," a slightly bitter cracker or chip popular in Indonesia; "jollof rice," the storied West African dish; "smashburger" and "zhuzh."

From Salon • Oct. 4, 2023

“We don’t really enter a word until it’s ho-hum,” Ms. Brewster said, “until it’s like, ‘Nobody says zhuzh anymore.’”

From New York Times • Jan. 31, 2022

Simple and sweet, this faux mistletoe garland is a quick and easy way to zhuzh up your mantle this year!

From Seattle Times • Nov. 17, 2021