p-i-z-z-a-z-z
PIZZAZZ means an attractive combination of energy, style, and glamour; sparkle, vitality, or flamboyant flair.
45
Points in Scrabble
Base tile values • No multipliers applied
PIZZAZZ (also spelled pizazz, pzazz, bezazz) embodies that indefinable quality of exciting attractiveness - a combination of energy, style, and glamour that makes something or someone stand out. It's the sparkle that transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary. Created by Harvard Lampoon writers in 1937 as pure linguistic invention, pizzazz captures what the French call "je ne sais quoi" - that certain something that defies precise definition but is instantly recognizable. It suggests vitality, flair, and magnetic appeal.Elements of pizzazz:
The etymology of pizzazz is delightfully modern - it was invented from whole cloth around 1937 by the Harvard Lampoon, demonstrating that even in the 20th century, English could gain words through pure creative invention. Diana Vreeland of Harper's Bazaar popularized it, writing: "Pizazz is an indefinable dynamic quality, the je ne sais quoi of function; as for instance, adding Scotch puts pizazz into a drink." The variable spelling (pizzazz, pizazz, pzazz, bezazz) reflects its playful origins. The double or quadruple Z spelling emphasizes the buzzing energy the word conveys. No other English word has more accepted variant spellings.
Make more exciting
Done with style and energy
Missing excitement
Element of excitement
•PIZZAZZ is the only common English word with four Z's, worth 45+ points in Scrabble
•The word was literally made up by college students as a joke that stuck
•Diana Vreeland, who popularized pizzazz, also coined "youthquake" and "beautiful people"
•Pizzazz has more accepted spelling variants than any other English word
"The designer added pizzazz to the room with bold colors and metallic accents."
"Her presentation lacked pizzazz until she added music and animations."
Adjective
pizzazzy
Informal
pizzazzical
Verb
pizzazz up (informal)
Similar length and difficulty words
Total base points: 45 (Scrabble)
Vowels: 2 | Consonants: 5
PIZZAZZ is the ultimate Scrabble word: - Four Z tiles = 40 base points just from Z's - Only common word using multiple Z's - Can single-handedly win games - Requires blanks or incredible tile luck - Even PIZAZZ (3 Z's) scores 35+ points
Pizzazz represents American linguistic creativity and marketing genius. A made-up word that perfectly captured Jazz Age energy, it shows how language evolves through pure invention.
Most common spelling has double Z twice
Standard spelling doubles both Z pairs
First vowel is I not I-A
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