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Definition of pizazz - 3 dictionary results

pi⋅zazz

[puh-zaz]
–noun Informal.
1. energy; vitality; vigor.
2. attractive style; dash; flair.
Also, piz⋅zazz.


Origin:
1935–40, Americanism; orig. obscure


pi⋅zazz⋅y, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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piz·zazz or pi·zazz or piz·zaz   (pĭ-zāz')   
n.   Informal
  1. Dazzling style; flamboyance; flair.

  2. Vigorous spirit; energy or excitement.


[Origin unknown.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

pizazz 
1937, probably originally college or show-biz slang.
"Pizazz, to quote the editor of the Harvard Lampoon, is an indefinable dynamic quality, the je ne sais quoi of function; as for instance, adding Scotch puts pizazz into a drink. Certain clothes have it, too." ["Harper's Bazaar," March 1937]
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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