spaz

or spazz

[ spaz ]

noun

1. an awkward or clumsy person.

verb (used without object)

, spazzed, spaz·zing.

1. to move in an awkward or clumsy way (usually followed by out ):

   She spazzed out and we had broken glass all over the floor.

2. to become more angry than a situation warrants (usually followed by out ):

   Mom spazzed out when she smelled cigarette smoke on my clothes.

3. to twitch:

   He was spazzing and muttering to himself, like the old speed freak he is.

Sensitive Note

See spastic.

Word History and Origins

Origin of spaz¹

First recorded in 1960–65; shortening and alteration of spastic

Example Sentences

"My brother can be such a spaz sometimes!"

From Literature

Diviney last year called out Beyonce and Lizzo on Twitter for using 'spaz', a derogatory term for spastic diplegia, in their songs.

From Reuters

I go back and I really struggle with watching myself, not to be too neurotic because it’s not good for our mental health, but just seeing I was such a spaz, that’s probably one of my biggest regrets.

From Los Angeles Times

Toward the end of his letter, Cedillo turns toward a broader discussion of cancel culture, referencing a recent controversy that led to the singer Lizzo using — then removing — the word “spaz” from a song.

From Los Angeles Times

In June, a social media firestorm led singer-songwriter Lizzo to change lyrics in her song “Grrrls” after disability advocates pointed out that a word in its original version, “spaz,” is considered an ableist slur.

From Washington Post