zit

[ zit ]

noun

, Slang.

1. a pimple; skin blemish.

zit

/ zɪt /

noun

1. slang.
   a pimple

Word History and Origins

Origin of zit¹

First recorded in 1960–65; origin uncertain

Word History and Origins

Origin of zit¹

of unknown origin

Example Sentences

All I did was check my face for zits for 12 hours a day.

From Salon

She informed her followers that it was covering a tumor that she previously believed was a zit that didn’t budge for seven months.

From Los Angeles Times

I have this very large zit on my nose, coffee’s quite bitter, rain keeps falling.

From Washington Post

Anonymous: It’s like asking a genie to make us feel young again, and getting awkwardness, heartbreak and zits.

From Washington Post

Your search for a zit zapper is over.

From Los Angeles Times

More About Zit

What does zit mean?

Zit is a slang term for a pimple—a small inflammation or swelling of the skin that may or may not be filled with pus.

Zits are caused by acne, a skin condition in which the skin’s sebaceous glands become clogged and inflamed.

They’re most commonly found on the face, but they can appear on other areas of the skin, such as the neck and back. They are most common among teens and preteens due to changes in body chemistry during the period of development known as puberty, but adults can also get zits.

The informal terms whitehead and blackhead are used to refer to specific kinds of zits. Technical terms for types of zits include pustule and papule.

Example: My skin is naturally oily, so I have to buy a specific face wash to prevent zits.

Where does zit come from?

The first records of the word zit come from the 1960s. Its origin is unknown—the word seems to have just popped up like a zit.

Everyone gets zits at some point, but some people get them more than others. Acne, which causes zits, sometimes goes away on its own, but sometimes it calls for additional treatment by a dermatologist—a doctor who specializes in skin conditions.

Did you know ... ?

What are some synonyms for zit?

• pimple
• blemish

What are some words that often get used in discussing zit?

 

• acne
• cream
• skin
• complexion
• whitehead
• blackhead
• breakout
• pop
• squeeze
• dermatologist

How is zit used in real life?

Most people treat zits as an annoyance, and the word zit is typically used in a negative way.

There’s zits and then there’s chin zits.

— Kaitlin (@OklaKaitlin) September 28, 2020

I started to break out a few years ago. I've never had acne before. I only get a couple zits, but it was driving me crazy trying to figure out what had changed. My mother died a few years ago. I used to steal her astringent. Bought some and my face is clear again. Thanks mom ❤️

— ❄️FrostBite❄️ (@realfrostylady) September 28, 2020

I woke up with anxiety and a big zit, but I am a capable grown up woman and with the right tools I can rock today. 💪#ENCOURAGEOURSELVES2017

— Anna Prosser (@AnnaProsser) July 19, 2017

 

 

Try using zit!

Is zit used correctly in the following sentence?

I can’t believe I got a zit on my nose right before the dance!