To improve the appearance of something by making small changes.

Origin: The word 'zhoosh' is believed to have originated in the Polari language, a form of cant slang used by some actors, circus and fairground showmen, merchant navy sailors, criminals, and the gay subculture in Britain. Its earliest known form is derived from Polari, where it was used to mean 'to style or smarten up'. It is believed to have links to the Romani word 'zhoozh', meaning 'to clean or tidy'. Historical and Cultural Context: The first attestation of 'zhoosh' in English appeared in the mid-20th century. It became popularized in the 1960s and 1970s within the gay community, especially in the context of fashion and style. Evolution: Over time, 'zhoosh' has seen a slight semantic shift from its original meaning to a broader sense of enhancing or sprucing up. The word has no direct cognates but shares a playful phonetic similarity with other Polari words. Modern Relevance: Today, 'zhoosh' is used in everyday English to describe the act of improving or enhancing something, often with a focus on aesthetics. It is frequently used in fashion and interior design contexts.

The word 'zhoosh' is sometimes spelled 'zhuzh', adding to its quirky and playful nature.