Word Finder

FIZZ

fiz

Noun/Verb
Basic Level
4 Letters

Quick Definition

FIZZ The bubbling or hissing sound of gas escaping from a liquid; effervescence in a carbonated drink.

Scrabble Points

25

Points in Scrabble

Base tile values • No multipliers applied

Definition & Meaning

Fizz refers to the effervescence or bubbling in carbonated beverages, created by dissolved carbon dioxide escaping as gas. The term captures both the visual effect of rising bubbles and the distinctive hissing or crackling sound they produce.

As a verb, fizz describes the action of producing bubbles or making a hissing sound. Beyond beverages, it can describe any similar effect, from chemical reactions to fireworks. The word's onomatopoetic nature makes it instantly recognizable across languages.

In Scrabble, FIZZ is a powerful 4-letter word with two Z's, making it one of the highest-scoring short words available. Its double Z configuration is rare in English, making it a memorization priority for competitive players.

Fizz has expanded beyond literal bubbling to describe energy, excitement, or liveliness. Something might 'fizz with excitement' or 'lose its fizz' when becoming dull. The word captures a sense of effervescent energy that transcends its liquid origins.

Did You Know?

  • The Ramos Gin Fizz cocktail traditionally requires 12 minutes of shaking to achieve proper fizz.
  • Champagne can contain up to 49 million bubbles per bottle.
  • The fizz in soda is carbonic acid, which is why flat soda tastes sweeter.
  • Mentos cause explosive fizz in soda due to nucleation sites on their surface.

Etymology & Origin

The word 'fizz' emerged in the 1660s as an imitative (onomatopoetic) word, designed to sound like the hissing of bubbles escaping from liquid. It's related to similar sound-words like 'fizzle' (which originally meant the same thing). The word gained popularity with the rise of carbonated beverages in the 19th century.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

Words with similar meaning

BUBBLE

Form gas bubbles

EFFERVESCE

Give off bubbles

SPARKLE

Bubble actively

FOAM

Form frothy bubbles

Antonyms

Words with opposite meaning

FLAT

Without carbonation

STILL

Non-carbonated

STALE

Lost carbonation

Word Forms & Variations

Plural Form

fizzes

Related Terms

fizzed
fizzing
fizzy
fizzle
fizziness

Common Phrases & Collocations

Frequent Combinations

  • lose its fizz

    Become flat or dull

  • fizz out

    Gradually stop bubbling

  • gin fizz

    Classic cocktail

In Context

    Letter Analysis & Game Details

    Letter Distribution

    F (4 pts)
    1x
    I (1 pts)
    1x
    Z (10 pts)
    2x

    Total base points: 25 (Scrabble)

    Vowels: 1 | Consonants: 3

    Word Building

    Rhyming Words

    BIZ
    WHIZ
    QUIZ
    IS
    HIS
    MS
    WIZ
    SHOWBIZ

    Similar 4-Letter Words

    Other high-scoring 4-letter words (Scrabble)

    Word Game Strategy

    Playing FIZZ

    • 1.Double Z word worth 26 base points
    • 2.Only 4 letters - highly flexible
    • 3.Common word unlikely to be challenged
    • 4.Priority word for Z tile management
    • 5.Can often make parallel plays

    Strategic Considerations

    Focus on maximizing tile placement and multipliers.

    Usage Examples in Context

    "The champagne's fizz tickled her nose as she took the first sip."

    "The science experiment began to fizz when we added vinegar to baking soda."

    "Playing FIZZ with both Z's on premium squares scored 52 points."

    Cultural Impact & Modern Usage

    Fizz embodies celebration and refreshment in popular culture. From champagne toasts to soda advertisements, the sound and sight of fizz signals special moments and simple pleasures. The word's playful sound has made it a favorite in marketing, from 'Fizzy Lifting Drinks' in fiction to real beverage brands.

    Common Mistakes & Confusions

    • Spelling as 'fiz' with one Z:It's FIZZ with double Z
    • Confusing with 'fizzle':Fizzle means to fail or end weakly
    • Using 'fizz' for any bubble:Specifically refers to gas escaping liquid

    Related Words to Explore

    Master This Word

    Practice unscrambling letters to find more high-scoring words like FIZZ

    Content reviewed by Word Game Experts