j-a-z-z-i-n-g
JAZZING means playing jazz music or making something more lively and exciting. In word games, it's an exceptional 7-letter word featuring J (8 points) and double Z (10 points each), making it one of the highest-scoring common words you can play!
33
Points in Scrabble
Base tile values • No multipliers applied
JAZZING is the present participle of the verb "jazz," with multiple meanings that have evolved from the musical genre. The word captures the essence of improvisation, energy, and creative expression that defines jazz music.
In word games, JAZZING is a power play worth 33 base points in Scrabble. The combination of J (8 points) and two Z's (10 points each) makes it one of the highest-scoring 7-letter words without using all your tiles for a bingo bonus.
The origin of "jazz" remains one of etymology's great mysteries. First appearing in print around 1912, it may derive from the Creole "jass" or West African languages. Early uses included meanings of energy, vigor, and excitement before becoming associated with the musical genre in New Orleans.
By the 1920s, "jazz" had become a verb, and "jazzing" entered common usage. The term expanded beyond music to mean "enliven" or "make more exciting," reflecting how jazz music itself energized American culture during the Jazz Age.
"The word 'jazz' is one of the most remarkable success stories in linguistic history - from uncertain origins to global recognition in just a few decades."
In musical terms, "jazzing" refers to the act of playing jazz or applying jazz techniques to music. This includes improvisation, syncopation, swing rhythms, and the use of blue notes. Musicians might "jazz up" a standard tune by adding these elements.
Key Jazz Techniques:
Jazz revolutionized not just music but language itself. The verb "jazzing" captures the genre's spirit of transformation and improvisation, spreading from music into everyday speech to describe any act of creative enhancement.
JAZZING is one of only a handful of common English words containing two Z's, making it extraordinarily valuable in word games. The only higher-scoring common 7-letter words are those with Q+Z combinations.
The phrase "jazzing it up" became so popular in the 1920s that it entered advertising language. Everything from clothing to kitchen appliances was marketed as "jazzed up" versions during the Jazz Age.
In competitive Scrabble, playing JAZZING across two triple word scores (a "triple-triple") would score 293 points - enough to likely win most games in a single play!
Jazz musicians often use "jazzing" as a technical term for specific improvisational techniques, including "jazzing the changes" (improvising over chord progressions) and "jazzing the melody" (embellishing a tune).
"The quartet was jazzing up old standards, transforming familiar melodies with syncopated rhythms and improvisational solos."
"We're jazzing up the presentation with colorful graphics and animations to make it more engaging for the audience."
"I saved my J and both Z tiles until I could spell JAZZING across a triple word score - 99 points before the multiplier!"
Similar length and difficulty words
Total base points: 33 (Scrabble)
Vowels: 2 | Consonants: 5
One of the highest-scoring 7-letter words. Save those Z tiles and J for maximum impact!
Hold Those High-Value Tiles
With J, Z, and Z worth 28 points combined, patience pays off. Wait for premium square opportunities.
Target Triple Word Scores
JAZZING on a triple word = 99 points minimum. Look for spots near the edges.
Consider the -ING Hook
JAZZ (29 pts) + ING can be built incrementally if needed.
Block Opponent Access
Once played, JAZZING creates difficult letter combinations that block opponents.
JAZZING
33 base points
Double Word
66 points
Triple Word
99 points
With 50pt Bingo
83 points
In tournament play, holding J-Z-Z tiles for JAZZING is usually worth the wait. The point differential often outweighs the opportunity cost of playing tiles separately.
If you have JAZZ but not -ING, consider playing a word that sets up the -ING extension for your next turn. This telegraphs your intent but often opponents can't block it effectively.
If your opponent might have JAZZING, avoid creating spots where they can hit triple word scores. The 99+ point swing can be game-ending.
Practice unscrambling letters to find more high-scoring words like JAZZING