buzz

catch a buzz

slang To become mildly intoxicated without becoming completely drunk. Primarily heard in US, South Africa. At my age I can't go out drinking all night long anymore, but I still like to catch a buzz on the weekend.

buzz word

1. A word or phrase that has gained recent popularity, especially among a particular group of people or within a specific context. "Synergy" is a buzz word used to describe the concept of multiple organizations working together towards a common goal.

2. A popular word or phrase that is used so often that it loses its impact or meaning. The boss used so many corporate buzz words in our morning meeting that I'm not even sure I understand what he was trying to say. Harry lost his audience's attention when he started using buzz words during his presentation, which began to seem dull and unoriginal.

buzz along

to move or drive along fast. The cars were buzzing along at a great rate. Traffic is sure buzzing along.

See also: buzz

buzz for someone

to sound a signal for someone. Please buzz for the bell captain. I buzzed for my secretary and waited for a reply.

See also: buzz

buzz in (to some place)

Fig. to come into a place rapidly or unexpectedly. The child buzzed into the shop and bought a nickel's worth of candy. I just buzzed in to say hello.

See also: buzz

buzz off

Fig. to leave quickly. I've got to buzz off. Bye. It's time for me to buzz off.

See also: buzz, off

buzz someone into a place

and buzz someone in

Fig. to push a button that opens a door latch electrically, allowing someone to use the door and enter. (The process creates a buzz while the latch is open.) My secretary will buzz you in. Please buzz in our guest. Oh, hello. I will buzz you into the lobby. Then take the elevator to apartment 310.

buzz with something

Fig. [for a place] to be busy or filled with something. The room buzzed with excitement. The office had better be buzzing with moneymaking activity when I get there.

See also: buzz

get a buzz out of someone or something

Fig. to get some humor from someone or something. I thought you'd get a buzz out of that gag. I hope you get a buzz out of Ted. He's a funny guy.

give someone a ring

and give someone a buzz; give someone a call

Fig. to call someone on the telephone. Nice talking to you. Give me a ring sometime. Give me a buzz when you're in town.

have a buzz on

Fig. to be intoxicated. (Fixed order.) Pete has a buzz on and is giggling a lot. Both of them had a buzz on by the end of the celebration.

buzz off

(spoken)

go away I can't believe he would tell a senator to buzz off.

Usage notes: often used as an order: Buzz off and leave me alone!

See also: buzz, off

give somebody a buzz

(spoken)

to telephone someone give somebody a ring I was just wondering if you were up for dinner tonight so give me a buzz if you're around.

give somebody a ring

(spoken)

to telephone someone give somebody a buzz She's been sick for a couple of days, so why don't you give her a ring? I'm calling to find out what tonight's homework is, so if you could give me a ring and let me know I would really appreciate it.

a buzz word

a word or phrase that people in a particular group start to use a lot because they think it is important Minimalism is the latest buzz word in modern architecture.

give somebody a buzz

1. (informal) to telephone someone Give me a buzz when you get home.

2. if something gives you a buzz, it makes you feel excited Watching live bands really gives me a buzz. (informal)

buzz off

Go away, leave. For example, The store owner told the teenagers to buzz off and find another place to hang out. This curt imperative dates from World War I. Also see bug off.

See also: buzz, off

give someone a ring

1. Also, give someone a buzz. Call someone on the telephone, as in Give me a ring next week, or Bill said he'd give her a buzz. Both these expressions allude to the sound of a telephone's ring. [Colloquial; c. 1920]

2. Present a lover with an engagement ring, as in I think he's giving her a ring tonight. [First half of 1800s]

buzz off

v. Slang

To leave quickly; go away. Used chiefly as a command: Buzz off and leave me alone! I told them to buzz off because I was trying to study.

See also: buzz, off

buzz

1. n. a call on the telephone. (see also jingle.) I’ll give you a buzz tomorrow.

2. tv. to call someone on the telephone. Buzz me about noon.

3. tv. to signal someone with a buzzer. I’ll buzz my secretary.

4. n. a thrill. I got a real buzz out of that.

5. n. a chuckle. Here’s a little joke that’ll give you a buzz.

6. n. the initial effects of drinking alcohol or taking certain drugs. Sam got a little buzz from the wine, but he still needed something stronger.

buzz along

1. in. to depart. Well, I must buzz along.

2. in. to drive or move along rapidly. “You were buzzing along at eighty-two miles per hour,” said the cop.

See also: buzz

buzzing

mod. drunk. Sally was buzzing after only a few drinks.

See also: buzz

get a buzz out of someone/something

tv. to get some humor from someone or something. (see also give someone a buzz.) I thought you’d get a buzz out of that gag.

give someone a buzz

1. tv. to give someone a telephone call. Give me a buzz sometime.

2. tv. to give someone a chuckle or a bit of enjoyment. It always gives me a buzz to watch Sally do her act.

have a buzz on

tv. to be tipsy or alcohol intoxicated. (Have got can replace have.) Both of them had a buzz on by the end of the celebration.

rolling buzz

n. a long-lasting drug high. (Drugs.) That stuff will give you a rolling buzz without putting you to sleep.

Common Names:

Name	Pronounced	Usage
ZÉNaÏDe	ze-na-EED	French
WielisŁAw	vye-LEE-swahf	Polish
Donella	-	Scottish
JolÁNka	-	Hungarian (Rare)
Reynard	RAY-nahrd, REN-ərd	English (Rare)
Dipa	-	Indian, Hindi, Marathi, Punjabi, Bengali, Malayalam, Tamil