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As well as the two examples you've given, the Penguin Concise (which is quite good on these sorts of word) gives as first choice pizzazz. Take your pick.
If I'm looking for myself I always use Writers' and Editors', but just occasionally, actually quite often, it doesn't have what i want. I go to Strunk and White (of Charlotte's Web fame) for style. And Chambers for meaning. And history.
pizzazz, also pizazz, pazazz, pzazz; said to have been invented by Diana Vreeland of Harper's Bazaar, 1930s. (OED)
My eye was immediately drawn to pizzle: the penis of an animal, especially a bull, formerly used for flogging people. (Not surprisingly it has its origins in Low German.) *mind goes off at a tangent*
There once was a long, stringy pizzle which caught light and started to sizzle. On hearing a shout, the cook pulled it out and put it to cool in the drizzle.
Comments
pɪˈzaz/Submit
nouninformal
an attractive combination of vitality and glamour.
"a summer collection with pizzazz"
I got my answer, went back to my writing and just returned to see seven more comments. Thanks, folks! You are all great.
My eye was immediately drawn to pizzle: the penis of an animal, especially a bull, formerly used for flogging people. (Not surprisingly it has its origins in Low German.) *mind goes off at a tangent*
which caught light and started to sizzle.
On hearing a shout,
the cook pulled it out
and put it to cool in the drizzle.
It fell into the frying pan. That's not rude.
It's all in your mind.
*flicks feather duster over Liz's fine and flyaway hair*
So I stopped.
First time for everything.