zingyadjective
Factsheet
What does the adjective zingy mean?
There are two meanings listed in OED's entry for the adjective zingy. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.
How common is the adjective zingy?
| 1940 | 0.0024 |
| 1950 | 0.0038 |
| 1960 | 0.0052 |
| 1970 | 0.0069 |
| 1980 | 0.0092 |
| 1990 | 0.011 |
| 2000 | 0.012 |
| 2010 | 0.014 |
How is the adjective zingy pronounced?
British English
U.S. English
Where does the adjective zingy come from?
Earliest known use
1930s
The earliest known use of the adjective zingy is in the 1930s.
OED's earliest evidence for zingy is from 1938, in Variety.
zingy is formed within English, by derivation.
Etymons: zing n., ‑y suffix1.
Nearby entries
- Zingg, n.1941–
- zingho, n.1743
- zingiber, n.?1720–
- zingiberaceous, adj.1821–
- zingily, adv.1951–
- zinginess, n.1938–
- zinging, n.1921–
- zinging, adj.1915–
- zingingly, adv.1952–
- zingo, int.1906–
- zingy, adj.1938–
- Zinjanthropus, n.1959–
- zinke, n.1773–
- zinnia, n.1761–
- zinnober green, n.1879–
- zinnwaldite, n.1850–
- zino, n.1982–
- Zinovievite, adj. & n.1936–
- Zinoviev letter, n.1924–
- Zion, n.Old English–
- Zion Curtain, n.1951–
Etymology
Summary
Meaning & use
- 1.1938–Energetic, exciting, vibrant; (of a remark, joke, etc.) witty, lively, and effective.
- 1938implied in:
It is for distributors, and distributors alone, to bring back the old time zinginess of point-of-sale showmanship. [at zinginess n.]
Variety 17 August 3/2 - 1939
There are a score of zingy hit tunes headed by ‘Good Morning’, ‘Where or When’, ‘Babes in Arms’ and other hits.
Evening Herald (Provo, Utah) 24 December 4/1 - 1962
A zingy collection..that every with-it girl is going to adore.
Guardian 7 February 9/1 - 1976
Some zingy, down-to-earth comments... She doesn't mince words.
Publishers Weekly 16 August 116/1 - 2006
The zingy feeling of euphoria when you fall in love with a new person.
New Scientist 8 July 46/1 - 2020
Her state-of-the-nation novel crackles with zingy one-liners and shrewd humour.
MailOnline (Nexis) 27 February
- livelyOld English–Vigorous, energetic, active, brisk. Of a person, a person's physical or mental faculties, or an activity sustained by a person. Also of an animal.
- sprindOld English–1350Vigorous, strong.
- kaskc1300Active, vigorous.
- wightc1300–Strong, vigorous, robust, stalwart, mighty; exercising strength, energetic (passing into A.3).
- courageousc1386–1577Full of virile force; lively, lusty, vigorous.
- wieldya1413–1916Capable of moving with ease; physically able (to do something); vigorous, active; agile, nimble. Obsolete.
- ablec1440–Now Scottish, Irish English (northern), and Newfoundland. Of a person, the body, etc.: having general physical strength; vigorous, powerful…
- wightyc1475–= wight, adj.
- tall of hand1530–1632Phrase tall of (his, her) hand(s): sometimes, (cf. sense A.I.1) Ready, active, deft, skilful with (his, her) hands; dexterous, handy; sometimes, (cf…
- sappy1558–figurative in various applications. Full of vitality.
- energical1565–1883Relating to, characterized by, or full of energy (in various senses); esp. operative; efficacious. Cf. energic, adj.
- energetical1585–Characterized by or full of energy, force, or vitality; energetic; emphatic; vigorous; lively. Now rare.
- greenya1586–Green; verdant. Also figurative: vigorous. Now rare.
- stout1600–1711Strenuous, energetic. Obsolete.
- strenuous1602–Of persons or their dispositions: Vigorous in action, energetic; ‘brave, bold, active, valiant’ (Johnson). Now usually with stronger notion…
- forceful?1624–Full of force, powerful, strong, vigorous.
- actuous1626–1869= actuose, adj.
- vigorous1638–Of persons, etc.: Acting, or prepared to act, with vigour.
- vivid1638–Full of life; vigorous, active, or energetic on this account; lively or brisk. Of persons (or animals), their attributes, etc.
- high-spirited1653–Exhibiting or characterized by courage and spirit, or (later) liveliness and cheerful good humour.
- hearty1665–Of a physical action: vigorous; performed with great energy.
- actuose1677–Full of activity, abounding in action; active.
- living1699–Full of life or vigour; fresh, vivid; lively, vibrant. Cf. lively, adj. A.3, A.5, A.6.
- full-blooded1707–Originally: having or containing much blood. Later also: (of a person) having the qualities associated with a constitution rich in blood (cf. plet…
- executive1708–1825Active in execution, energetic. Obsolete. rare.
- rugged1731–Chiefly U.S. Of a person: strong, sturdy; robust, vigorous.
- sousing1735–Strong, vigorous, ‘powerful’. Now dialect.
- energic1740–Of movement, activity, etc.: characterized by or carried out with vigour or force; emphatic. Also of a person, group, etc.: full of energy…
- bouncing1743That bounces: in various senses of the verb relating alike to loudness, brag, and vigorous or ungainly movement. Often also (like ‘thumping…
- two-fisted1774–a. (dialect or colloquial), awkward with the hands, clumsy; b. U.S. colloquial, tough, aggressive; vigorous; c. Tennis of a backhand stroke: played…
- energetic1782–Of a person, group, etc.: full of energy or vitality; strenuously active; vigorous; (also) dynamic; spirited; lively.
- zestful1797–figurative. Full of zest; invigorating, stimulating, enjoyable; lively, spirited; = zesty, adj. 2. Cf. zest, n.¹ 3, 4.
- rollicking1801–Of an action, behaviour, song, etc.: characterized by vivaciousness or boisterousness.
- through-ganging1814–1923Active, energetic, spirited. Cf. throughgoing, adj. 2a.
- throughgoing1814–Chiefly Scottish, Irish English (northern), and U.S. regional. Of a person: that gets through work quickly or thoroughly; active, energetic…
- slashing1828–Spirited; dashing; full of vigour. Now used esp. of horses.
- high-powered1829–Of a machine or device: having greater than normal strength or capabilities; very powerful. Also in extended use: of high quality.
- high pressure1834–Involving or characterized by a high degree of exertion, urgency, or coercion; spec. (with regard to selling) employing or involving highly…
- rip-roaring1834–Full of energy and vigour; boisterous, wildly noisy; first-rate, exciting.
- red-blooded1836–Vigorous, virile, full of energy and strength; (now) esp. (of a man) having strong heterosexual appetites.
- ripsnorting1846–= rip-roaring, adj.
- zesty1853–figurative. Characterized by energy or vigour; lively, spirited; invigorating, stimulating. Cf. zest, n.¹ 3.
- dynamic1856–transferred and figurative. Active, potent, energetic, effective, forceful.
- throbbing1864–figurative. That pulsates with energy, life, etc.; thrilling, exciting; vibrant, lively.
- kinky1872–U.S. regional (New England). Esp. of a person or animal: energetic, lively, spirited; (in negative sense) difficult to manage, frisky. Now rare.
- goey1875–Full of ‘go’; energetic, lively, vigorous; dynamic, enterprising.
- torpedoic1893–Of a torpedo, like that of a torpedo.
- zippy1903–Full of ‘zip’ (zip, n.¹ B.1b); bright, lively, energetic; fresh, invigorating.
- go-at-it1904–Full of energy, vitality, or determination.
- punchy1907–Full of punch or impact; forceful, effective; vigorous.
- up-and-at-'em1909–
- driving1916–With reference to music: energetic, dynamic, forceful.
- vibranta1929–Without const. Full of vitality, teeming, vigorous; exuberant, flourishing.
- kinetic1931–transferred and figurative, esp. active, dynamic, full of energy.
- zinging1931–That abounds with energy or excitement; vibrant, lively.
- high-octane1936–figurative. Vigorous, energetic; powerful; very intense. Cf. octane, n. 3.
- zingy1938–Energetic, exciting, vibrant; (of a remark, joke, etc.) witty, lively, and effective.
- slam-bang1939–In weakened use: exciting, impressive, first-rate. Also, vigorous, energetic. colloquial.
- balls-to-the-wall1967–Unrestrained, aggressive, forceful; all-out, ‘full-throttle’. Cf. balls-out, adv. & adj.
- balls-out1968–Unrestrained, uninhibited; aggressive, extremely forceful, all-out.
- ass-kicking1977–Forceful, aggressive.
- hi-octane1977–= high-octane, adj. A.2.
- 2.1942–Of food or drink: having a zesty, tangy, or piquant flavour. Also: designating such a flavour.
- 1942
Stir up excitement with these Deviled Ham Turnovers. They're zingy.
Ladies' Home Journal July 83/4 - 1975
A zingy Moselle, from a world famous estate.
Observer 9 November 22/6 - 1999
A zingy, Thai-style noodle salad.
BBC Vegetarian Good Food May 49/1 - 2014
Arinto is a higher-acidity grape..that delivers a zingy lemon note.
Wine Spectator 31 July 26/2
Pronunciation
British English
U.S. English
Consonants
- ppea
- ttea
- kkey
- bbuy
- ddye
- ɡguy
- tʃchore
- dʒjay
- ffore
- θthaw
- ssore
- ʃshore
- vvee
- ðthee
- zzee
- ʒbeige
- xloch
- hhay
- llay
- ɬrhingyll
- rray
- wway
- jyore
- mmay
- nnay
- ŋsing
Some consonants can take the function of the vowel in unstressed syllables. Where necessary, a syllabic marker diacritic is used, hence
Vowels
- iːfleece
- ihappy
- ɪkit
- ɛdress
- atrap, bath
- ɑːstart, palm, bath
- ɒlot
- ɔːthought, force
- ʌstrut
- ʊfoot
- uːgoose
- əletter
- əːnurse
- ɪənear
- ɛːsquare
- ʊəcure
- eɪface
- ʌɪpride
- aʊmouth
- əʊgoat
- ɔɪvoice
- ãgratin
- ɒ̃salon
- ᵻ(/ɪ/-/ə/)
- ᵿ(/ʊ/-/ə/)
Other symbols
- The symbol ˈ at the beginning of a syllable indicates that that syllable is pronounced with primary stress.
- The symbol ˌ at the beginning of a syllable indicates that that syllable is pronounced with secondary stress.
- Round brackets ( ) in a transcription indicate that the symbol within the brackets is optional.
View the pronunciation model here.
Consonants
- ppea
- ttea
- kkey
- bbuy
- ddye*
- ɡguy
- tʃchore
- dʒjay
- ffore
- θthaw
- ssore
- ʃshore
- vvee
- ðthee
- zzee
- ʒbeige
- xloch
- hhay
- llay
- rray
- wway
- jyore
- mmay
- nnay
- ŋsing
* /d/ also represents a 'tapped' /t/ as in
Some consonants can take the function of the vowel in unstressed syllables. Where necessary, a syllabic marker diacritic is used, hence
Vowels
- ifleece, happy
- ɪkit
- ɛdress
- ætrap, bath
- ɑlot, palm, cloth, thought
- ɑrstart
- ɔcloth, thought
- ɔrnorth, force
- ʊfoot
- ugoose
- əstrut, comma
- ərnurse, letter
- ɪ(ə)rnear
- ɛ(ə)rsquare
- ʊ(ə)rcure
- eɪface
- aɪpride
- aʊmouth
- oʊgoat
- ɔɪvoice
- ɑ̃gratin
- æ̃salon
- ᵻ(/ɪ/-/ə/)
- ᵿ(/ʊ/-/ə/)
Other symbols
- The symbol ˈ at the beginning of a syllable indicates that that syllable is pronounced with primary stress.
- The symbol ˌ at the beginning of a syllable indicates that that syllable is pronounced with secondary stress.
- Round brackets ( ) in a transcription indicate that the symbol within the brackets is optional.
View the pronunciation model here.
Simple text respell breaks words into syllables, separated by a hyphen. The syllable which carries the primary stress is written in capital letters. This key covers both British and U.S. English Simple Text Respell.
Consonants
b, d, f, h, k, l, m, n, p, r, s, t, v, w and z have their standard English values
- gguy
- jjay
- yyore
- chchore
- khloch
- shshore
- ththaw
- dhthee
- zhbeige
Vowels
- atrap
- ahpalm
- airsquare
- arstart
- arrcarry (British only)
- awthought
- ayface
- a(ng)gratin
- edress
- eefleece
- eerdeer
- errmerry
- ikit
- ighpride
- irrmirror
- olot (British only)
- ohgoat
- oogoose
- oorcure
- orforce
- orrsorry (British only)
- owmouth
- oyvoice
- o(ng)salon
- ustrut
- uhletter
- urnurse
- urrhurry
- uufoot
Frequency
zingy typically occurs about 0.01 times per million words in modern written English.
zingy is in frequency band 3, which contains words occurring between 0.01 and 0.1 times per million words in modern written English. More about OED's frequency bands
Frequency of zingy, adj., 1940–2010
* Occurrences per million words in written English
Historical frequency series are derived from Google Books Ngrams (version 2), a data set based on the Google Books corpus of several million books printed in English between 1500 and 2010.
The overall frequency for a given word is calculated by summing frequencies for the main form of the word, any plural or inflected forms, and any major spelling variations.
For sets of homographs (distinct entries that share the same word-form, e.g. mole, n.¹, mole, n.², mole, n.³, etc.), we have estimated the frequency of each homograph entry as a fraction of the total Ngrams frequency for the word-form. This may result in inaccuracies.
Smoothing has been applied to series for lower-frequency words, using a moving-average algorithm. This reduces short-term fluctuations, which may be produced by variability in the content of the Google Books corpus.
| Decade | Frequency per million words |
|---|---|
| 1940 | 0.0024 |
| 1950 | 0.0038 |
| 1960 | 0.0052 |
| 1970 | 0.0069 |
| 1980 | 0.0092 |
| 1990 | 0.011 |
| 2000 | 0.012 |
| 2010 | 0.014 |
Frequency of zingy, adj., 2017–2024
* Occurrences per million words in written English
Modern frequency series are derived from a corpus of 20 billion words, covering the period from 2017 to the present. The corpus is mainly compiled from online news sources, and covers all major varieties of World English.
Smoothing has been applied to series for lower-frequency words, using a moving-average algorithm. This reduces short-term fluctuations, which may be produced by variability in the content of the corpus.
| Period | Frequency per million words |
|---|---|
| 2017 | 0.11 |
| 2018 | 0.1 |
| 2019 | 0.1 |
| 2020 | 0.11 |
| 2021 | 0.11 |
| 2022 | 0.12 |
| 2023 | 0.13 |
| 2024 | 0.14 |
Compounds & derived words
- zinginess, n. 1938–The quality of being zingy; energy, liveliness…
- zingily, adv. 1951–In a zingy manner; invigoratingly, energetically…