Buzz

Buzz is a versatile English term that covers sound, feeling, and social phenomena. In its most literal sense, buzz refers to a low, continuous vibrating sound produced by insects such as bees, by electrical equipment, or by voices in a crowded room. It can also describe a physical vibration or hum that others perceive in a surrounding environment.

Figuratively, buzz denotes excitement or interest surrounding a person, event, or product. A product launch may generate a lot of buzz in media and among consumers, and the verb to buzz can mean to emit such a sound or to cause chatter and attention. In marketing, buzz or word-of-mouth campaigns aim to generate organic discussion rather than relying solely on traditional advertising.

Buzz is also used to describe rumors or informal chatter. Phrases like “the buzz around town” or “there’s a buzz that he’s considering a move” reflect this sense. In everyday language, buzz appears in several fixed expressions, such as buzz cut, a hairstyle shaved very short, and door buzzers that grant entry to a building.

Related terms include buzzword, a term touted as trendy within a particular field, and the notion of creating a public relations buzz to raise awareness. The word’s onomatopoeic origin mirrors the human perception of vibrating sounds, contributing to its broad usefulness in describing sound, attention, and discourse.