Zits: meaning, definitions and examples

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zits

[zɪts ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

skin

A zit is a small, inflamed swelling of the skin, usually caused by acne or blocked pores. It is commonly known as a pimple.

Synonyms

acne, blemish, pimple.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
zits	This is informal and is often used by teenagers or in casual conversation to describe small inflamed spots on the skin. I've got a huge zit on my forehead! He was worried about the zits on his face before the school photo.
pimple	This word is more neutral and commonly used to refer to individual inflamed spots on the skin. It is suitable for both informal and formal conversations. She popped the pimple on her chin and regretted it immediately. Pimples are often caused by clogged pores.
acne	This is a medical term and is used in more formal or clinical settings. It refers to a skin condition that causes pimples and other issues. She went to the dermatologist to get her acne treated. Acne can be caused by a variety of factors including hormones and diet.
blemish	This word is used in a more general sense to describe any mark, spot, or imperfection on the skin or surface. It is not limited to pimples but includes other types of spots or discolorations. The facial cream claims to reduce blemishes. He has a small blemish on his cheek from a previous injury.

Examples of usage

I woke up with a huge zit on my forehead.
She tried to cover her zits with makeup.
The teenager was self-conscious about her zits.
The zit on his nose was painful to touch.
Zits can be treated with over-the-counter products.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The slang term 'zit' likely originated in the United States during the 1950s, deriving from 'acne' as it became common among teenagers.
The word 'acne' comes from the Greek word 'akmē,' meaning 'point' or 'a peak,' often referring to the raised appearance of spots on the skin.

Cultural Impact

Teen movies from the 80s and 90s often featured characters dealing with zits as a rite of passage, humorously highlighting teenage insecurities.
The portrayal of zits in social media memes reflects the shared experience of adolescents, turning a common struggle into relatable humor.

Health and Science

Zits are the result of pores becoming clogged with oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria, leading to inflammation.
Hormones play a significant role in acne development, especially during puberty, triggering increased oil production in skin glands.

Psychology

For many teenagers, the presence of zits can negatively impact self-esteem and body image, leading to anxiety about appearance.
Studies suggest that acceptance and open discussions about skin issues can help reduce stigma and improve confidence among young people.

Treatment and Care

Over-the-counter treatments often include ingredients like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, which help to reduce oil and bacteria on the skin.
Lifestyle choices, such as a healthy diet and regular cleansing, can significantly impact skin health and can reduce the occurrence of zits.

Translations

Translations of the word "zits" in other languages:

🇵🇹 espinhas

🇮🇳 मुँहासे

🇩🇪 Pickel

🇮🇩 jerawat

🇺🇦 прищі

🇵🇱 pryszcze

🇯🇵 ニキビ

🇫🇷 boutons

🇪🇸 granos

🇹🇷 sivilceler

🇰🇷 여드름

🇸🇦 بثور

🇨🇿 pupínky

🇸🇰 pupienky

🇨🇳 痘痘

🇸🇮 mozolji

🇮🇸 bóla

🇰🇿 безеу

🇬🇪 ფუჭი

🇦🇿 sızanaqlar

🇲🇽 granos

Word Frequency Rank

At position #40,949, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.

...
40946 piddle
40947 bellflower
40948 heinously
40949 zits
40950 nonathletic
40951 samaritan
40952 gamine
...