s-i-z-z-l-i-n-g
SIZZLING means making a hissing sound when frying or burning; extremely hot; very exciting or passionate. With two Z's worth 10 points each, it's a high-scoring word that brings 27 base points in Scrabble.
27
Points in Scrabble
Base tile values • No multipliers applied
SIZZLING is a versatile word that functions as both an adjective and the present participle of the verb "sizzle." It describes the characteristic hissing sound made when something hot comes into contact with moisture, such as food cooking in a pan or water droplets on a hot surface.
The word has several distinct meanings:
In Scrabble and word games, SIZZLING is particularly valuable due to its two Z tiles, each worth 10 points. The double Z combination makes it one of the highest-scoring 8-letter words, especially when placed strategically on multiplier squares.
SIZZLING comes from the base verb "sizzle," which has onomatopoeic origins:
Sizzle (early 17th century)
An imitative word that attempts to reproduce the actual sound of frying or burning. First recorded around 1603, it mirrors similar sound-words in other languages like the Dutch "sissen" (to hiss).
-ing (Old English)
The present participle suffix that transforms the verb into an adjective or continuous action form. This productive suffix has been part of English since its earliest recorded history.
The figurative use of "sizzling" to mean "exciting" or "hot" in a non-literal sense emerged in American English during the early 20th century, particularly in advertising and entertainment contexts.
"Sizzling hot" - Extremely high temperature, often used for weather or food
"Sizzling performance" - An outstanding or exciting display of skill
"Sizzling summer" - A very hot season with high temperatures
"Sizzling romance" - A passionate, intense romantic relationship
•SIZZLING contains two Z's (10 points each), making it one of the highest-scoring 8-letter words
•The double Z combination appears in only a few common English words
•Playing SIZZLING across a triple word score can yield 81 base points
•The word "sizzle" became popular in advertising with the phrase "sell the sizzle, not the steak"
•SIZZLING can be a game-winning play due to its high point value
"The bacon was sizzling in the pan, filling the kitchen with its savory aroma."
"It was a sizzling hot day, with temperatures reaching over 100 degrees."
"The band delivered a sizzling performance that had the crowd on their feet."
"She played SIZZLING on a double word score and took the lead in the game."
The sound of sizzling has become synonymous with delicious cooking across cultures. From the sizzling fajitas served in Mexican restaurants to the Korean stone bowl bibimbap, the sound signals that food is being cooked at high heat, often indicating freshness and flavor.
In marketing, "sizzle" represents excitement and appeal. The famous advertising maxim "Sell the sizzle, not the steak" (attributed to Elmer Wheeler in the 1920s) emphasizes selling the experience and emotions rather than just the product itself.
The word has also entered entertainment vocabulary, where "sizzling" describes anything from a hot new track to a passionate on-screen romance, always implying intensity and excitement that captures attention.
Spelling: Remember the double Z - it's SIZZLING, not "sizling" or "siszling."
Z Placement: Don't waste both Z's on regular squares - aim for at least one letter multiplier.
Word Building: SIZZLING can't take an -S ending in standard Scrabble dictionaries.
Timing: Save high-value words like SIZZLING for optimal board positions rather than playing too early.