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

A blessing because in so doing it avoids both active horror and the cynicism of Holokitsch, in which the murder of six million Jews is appropriated to zhuzh some emotion that might otherwise be absent.

From New York Times • May 13, 2024

The “Gossip Girl” alum on Tuesday shared an Instagram story revealing that she jumped a velvet rope at Kensington Palace to zhuzh the on-display gown she wore to the 2022 Met Gala.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 26, 2023

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

For those in that camp, olives are a fantastic way to zhuzh up couscous or braised Moroccan chicken dishes.

From Salon • Sep. 30, 2021