Buzz vs Fuzz - What's the difference?

In intransitive terms the difference between buzz and fuzz

is that buzz is to make a low, continuous, humming or sibilant sound, like that made by bees with their wings while fuzz is to become fuzzy.

In transitive terms the difference between buzz and fuzz

is that buzz is to talk to incessantly or confidentially in a low humming voice while fuzz is to make fuzzy.

buzz

English

Noun

(es)

A continuous, humming noise, as of bees; a confused murmur, as of general conversation in low tones.

A whisper.

The audible friction of voice consonants.

(informal) A rush or feeling of energy or excitement; a feeling of slight intoxication.

Still feeling the buzz from the coffee, he pushed through the last of the homework.

(informal) A telephone call.

(informal, preceded by the) Major topic of conversation; widespread rumor; information spread behind the scenes.

* 2006 Sept. 6, Daren Fonda, " Ford Motor's New Chief: "I Think It's a Tough Situation"," Time :

In Detroit, the buzz is that he's too nice a guy, unwilling to impose draconian job cuts at the risk of angering the UAW.

Verb

(es)

To make a low, continuous, humming or sibilant sound, like that made by bees with their wings.

* Longfellow

Like a wasp it buzzed , and stung him.

* 1922 , , Fantasia of the Unconscious , ch. 2:

So that now the universe has escaped from the pin which was pushed through it, like an impaled fly vainly buzzing , we can hope also to escape.

# (by extension) To utter a murmuring sound; to speak with a low, humming voice.

#* Shakespeare

However these disturbers of our peace / Buzz in the people's ears.

# (chiefly, of an insect) To fly while making such a sound.

#* 1897 , , ch. 20:

The flies, lethargic with the autumn, were beginning to buzz into the room.

To whisper; to communicate, as tales, in an undertone; to spread, as a report, by whispers or secretly.

* Shakespeare

I will buzz abroad such prophecies / That Edward shall be fearful of his life.

To talk to incessantly or confidentially in a low humming voice.

(aviation) To fly at high speed and at a very low altitude over a specified area, as to make a surprise pass.

* 2013 , The Economist, Stopping asteroid strikes: Defenders of the Earth

an asteroid a mere 15-20 metres across exploded with the force of a medium-sized atom bomb over Chelyabinsk, in Russia, and another, much larger one buzzed Earth a few hours later.

To cut the hair in a close-cropped military style, or buzzcut.

* 2012 , Ellen Hartman, Out of Bounds (page 130)

Deacon said, “You used to beg me to let you buzz your hair when you were little.” “And then I grew up and realized how awful you looked when you buzzed yours.”

Quotations

* (English Citations of "buzz")

Derived terms

* abuzz * buzz saw * buzzword English onomatopoeias ----

fuzz

English

(wikipedia fuzz)

Etymology 1

* Some dictionaries suggest a Germanic source * Some dictionaries suggest a

Noun

A frizzy mass of hair or fibre.

* 1895 , Hamlin Garland, Rose of Dutcher's Coolly , page 352:

His cheeks were like peaches, with much the same sort of fuzz over them.

A blurred image.

(computing) The random data used in fuzz testing.

(obsolete) A state of befuddlement.

* 1784 , Jonathan Swift, "Journal to Stella", The works of the Rev. Dr. Jonathan Swift , page 54:

I think I'm in a fuzz , and don't know what I ?ay, I never ?aw the like.

Verb

(es)

To make fuzzy.

To become fuzzy.

(dated) To make drunk.

(Wood)

Etymology 2

Unknown

Noun

(-)

The police.

* 2009 , , 0:26:17:

Let's get the hell out of here before the fuzz turns up