noun

zip

ZIP/zɪp/

Liveliness or energetic force.

The man's springy dance leap displays plenty of zip.

An exuberant older man performs a springy dance leap, making physical energy and liveliness visible through his airborne feet, buoyant posture, and delighted expression.

Etymology

Zip imitates the sound of something passing rapidly through the air, such as a bullet. That suggestion of swift motion extended to energy and liveliness.

More examples

Her playful humor adds zip to the conversation.
The team's performance lacks its usual zip.
Try shorter sentences to give your writing more zip.

Forms

zippy adjective — Full of lively energy or spirit.

Similar words

pep: Emphasizes cheerful energy, especially in a person's behavior.
vigor: Emphasizes strength and sustained energy rather than lively sparkle.
zest: Emphasizes enthusiastic enjoyment rather than energetic force alone.