General
zhoosh
What does zhoosh mean?
To fluff, primp, perfect. Zhooshing is the little finishing touches that take a look from fine to fierce, fixing the hair, tweaking the collar, fussing the cushions. Straight out of Polari, where it meant to smarten or stylise, and it crossed fully into the mainstream via Queer Eye. If it needs a bit more, give it a zhoosh.
"The outfit's nearly there, just needs a zhoosh round the shoulders."
Origin
Polari of mid-20th-century Britain; 'zhoosh' is of uncertain origin (possibly imitative or Romani-influenced) and, as Paul Baker notes, has entered mainstream English as 'zhuzh'.
Frequently asked questions
What does zhoosh mean?
It means to style, smarten or fluff something up — hair, clothes or a room.
Is zhuzh the same as zhoosh?
Yes — the modern 'zhuzh' descends directly from the Polari 'zhoosh'.
Where does zhoosh come from?
Its origin is uncertain; it may be imitative of a swishing sound or have a Romani influence.
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