zhuzh

1 of 2

noun

ˈzhu̇zh 

variants or zhoosh

plural zhuzhes or zhooshes

: a small improvement, adjustment, or addition that completes the overall look, taste, etc. of something

A quick zhuzh of my hair and it was time to meet young photographer Sharif.

—Leicester (England) Mercury

They make both white and black truffle butter, and I love to use it … as a final zhuzh in a risotto or soup.

—Stacey Ballis

zhuzh

2 of 2

verb

variants or zhoosh

zhuzhed or zhooshed; zhuzhing or zhooshing; zhuzhes or zhooshes

transitive verb

: to improve in flavor or appearance by way of a small improvement, adjustment, or addition

—often used with up

Even ingredients such as sour cream, tofu, and eggs can be revived after freezing, and items such as tortillas and bread can be zhuzhed up in a toaster or pan.

—Anna Perling

What are a few things people can do to make a basic grocery store bouquet really sparkle, get to that next level? … What can we do to zhuzh it up?

—Andee Tagle

Word History

Etymology

Noun

perhaps derivative of zhuzh entry 2

Note: See note at zhuzh entry 2.

Verb

probably of expressive origin

Note: The earliest records of zhuzh show that it is part of Polari, an argot used in Britain since perhaps the eighteenth century primarily among gay theatrical and circus performers. The claims that the word was borrowed from Yiddish or Romani are not supportable. Given the lack of a clear origin, it is impossible to tell if the verb has priority over the noun or vice versa.

First Known Use

Noun

1995, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1970, in the meaning defined above