Definition of "zhoosh"

Mostly the words are dusted off and brought out when we wish to zhoosh up the conversation, to announce a particular delight in our queenly style.

1988, Neil Bartlett, Who Was That Man?, page 82

Mr. Warburton, a volunteer, swept into the group’s headquarters in the Hotel Pennsylvania, a team of hair stylists in tow, his objective to “zhoosh up” the women’s looks, he said.

2009 May 27, Ruth La Ferla, “To Dress for Success, You Must Trust His Eye”, in The New York Times‎

Christmas dinner is stressful enough without busting out recipes you’ve never made before. That said, if Sue is after a little zhoosh, she might want to consider how she dresses her veg.

2021 December 21, Anna Berrill, “Final magic touches to zhoosh your Christmas lunch”, in The Guardian‎

Thank you for your happiness and your eternal Bona-ness and zhoosh.

2016 June 7, Tilda Swinton, quotee, “Tilda Swinton Shared A Moving Tribute To David Bowie At The CFDAs”, in Elle‎

I grew up in a rain-lashed industrial town near London. Glamour and excitement were thin on the ground. The Swinging Sixties had yet to swing. No telly, no luxuries, no zhoosh. Except at Christmas time. Once a year, the local department store would festoon the window displays with twinkly lights and fake garland.

2020 June 18, Simon Doonan, “Let's Return to the Exuberance of Window Shopping”, in Town & Country‎

Beyond the zhoosh, spangle and splendour, there’s substance to the development too.

2022 January 21, “The Monocle Minute”, in Monocle‎