zhuzh

or zhoosh

[ zhoozh ]

verb (used with object)

1. to make (something) more lively and interesting, stylish, or appealing, as by a small change or addition (usually followed by up ):

   These colorful throw pillows are an easy way to zhuzh up your living room.

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of zhuzh¹

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

Example Sentences

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

They just want you to basically be able to take something you’ve already written and kind of zhuzh it up a little bit.

From New York Times

Even Sam Elliott as Dalton’s mentor Wade provides the film with some zhuzh.

From Salon

If, like me, you sometimes struggle with the water blahs, you can always zhuzh it up.

From Salon

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