zizzhttp://www.oed.com/dictionary/zizz_int%3Ftab%3Dmeaning_and_usezizz, int. & n.
Revised 2021

zizzinterjection & noun

  1. interjection
    1. 1824–
      Representing a buzzing or whizzing sound, such as that made by the rapid motion of a wheel. Frequently reduplicated.
      1. 1824
        I carried a cutler's wheel for several weeks..there I went bizz—bizz—whizz—zizz, at every auld wife's door.
        W. Scott, Redgauntlet vol. II. xi. 258
      2. 1939
        His pedals turn and his wheel goes whiz! And scissors and knives sing ‘Zizz! Zizz! Zizz!’
        Australian Worker 8 November 4
      3. 2005
        Flashes of laser fire lit the room. Zizz. Zizz. The wall above his bed exploded in a shower of hot sparks.
        M. J. Daley, Space Station Rat x. 94
  2. noun
    1. 1.
      1860–
      A buzzing or whizzing sound, such as that made by the rapid motion of a wheel; (also) a movement accompanied by such a sound.
      1. 1860
        Then he made a disdainful imitation of the bird, all buzz, zizz, and guggle.
        C. M. Yonge, Young Step-mother xlvii, in Monthly Packet September 267
      2. 1868
        A sustained and continuous ‘zizz’, of the kind that is made with clenched teeth.
        A. W. Kinglake, Invasion of Crimea vol. IV. v. 174
      3. 1908
        They shot round the base of the hills,..had a splendid zizz along the Hog's Back, and then turned sharp round.
        H. Belloc, Mr. Clutterbuck's Election xiii. 305
      4. 1955
        The sustained, high-pitched zizz of a party was audible.
        D. Barton, Glorious Life xxv. 232
      5. 1965
        The zizz of a trishaw's wheels passing on the road.
        Listener 17 June 900/3
      6. 1997
        The metallic zizz of the starter motor.
        Car March 99/1
    2. 2.
      1920–
      colloquial. Liveliness, vibrancy; a stimulating or invigorating quality which adds to the enjoyment or agreeableness of something. Now chiefly British.
      1. 1920
        It must have been that wink that lifted her out of mob scenes into real parts—and she's certainly got seven varieties of zizz-z to go with the wink!
        Picture-play Magazine April 78/2
      2. 1970
        No party got into full swing until Tallulah arrived to put her particular type of zizz into it.
        Gourmet January 18/2
      3. 1983
        The Queensgate centre lacks, perhaps, finesse and a touch of zizz.
        Times 22 February 12/6
      4. 1997
        Salmon came with baby spinach and a fruity red wine sauce which gave it a perfect zizz.
        Independent on Sunday 26 January (Review Supplement) 50/4
    3. 3.
      1941–
      colloquial (chiefly British). A short sleep, a nap. Cf. Z n. I.4b.
      1. 1941
        He could not have caught our Pilot Officer Prune at three o'clock one afternoon having a zizz full-length on a mess settee.
        Tee Emm (Air Ministry) August 17
      2. 1970
        Just what I aim to forget by having A quiet ziz.
        P. Dickinson, translation of Aristophanes, Wasps in Plays vol. I. 169
      3. 2005
        Sometimes a quick zizz for 15 or 20 minutes is wonderfully reviving.
        Sunday Times 20 November (Magazine) 82/4

zizz, int. & n. was revised in March 2021.

zizz, int. & n. was last modified in September 2024.