Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for May 11, 2024 is: zhuzh \ZHUZH (the U is as in PUSH)\ verb

To zhuzh something up is to improve its flavor or appearance by way of a small improvement, adjustment, or addition.

// He likes to zhuzh up his outfits with brightly-colored ties.

[See the entry >](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/zhuzh)

Examples:

“Ever since my sister introduced me to this life-changing condiment, I’ve slathered [chili crisp] on pretty much everything I could think of—from roasted vegetables and noodles to seafood and popcorn. … That deep savory flavor comes from ingredients like fermented black bean, shallots, mushroom powder, ginger, and seaweed, so it’s no wonder it’s become my go-to pantry staple when I want to zhuzh up my dinner in a matter of seconds.” — Britt Ross, quoted on BuzzFeed, 17 Feb. 2024

Did you know?

Zhuzh (alternatively spelled zhoosh) has an [onomatopoetic](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/onomatopoeia) ring to it: it resembles other sound-effect words, such as [whoosh](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/whoosh) or [zoom](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/zoom), that suggest dynamic movement, or perhaps more appropriately, a ruffling of hair or fabric. The earliest evidence of zhuzh shows that it is part of [Polari](https://www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/stories/polari-and-hidden-history-of-gay-seafarers), a kind of slang known especially for its use in 20th century British gay culture. The word has been in use since at least the 1970s, and gained wild popularity during the 2018 reboot of Queer Eye, a television series in which a fellow needing help in the areas of fashion, grooming, living space, food, and social grace gets a makeover courtesy of five talented gay men. While often used as a verb (usually paired with up), zhuzh is also a noun that refers to a small improvement or adjustment, as in “my hair just needs a quick zhuzh and I’ll be ready to go.”