biz

Everyday

1. (informal) Short for «business», especially a trade or industry, as in «show biz». tree →
2. (slang) «The biz» means the entertainment or music industry. tree →
3. (slang, UK) «The biz» can also mean the very best, as in «that's the biz». tree →
4. Biz is a buzzing sound, like the noise a bee or wasp makes. tree →

In the lessons

It is a clipped, chatty word seen in magazines, adverts and casual talk. «Show biz» or «showbiz» means the world of films, TV and theatre. It tells the reader the style is informal or journalistic. It is not used in school writing.

Examples

• She wants to be a star in show biz. tree →
• He has been in the music biz for years. tree →
• My uncle runs a small cake biz from home. (informal) tree →
• That new trainer is the biz! (UK slang) tree →
• Showbiz news is all about celebrities. tree →
• «How's the biz going?» Dad asked his friend. tree →
• 'Biz-z-z,' said the wasp, 'would you not like to be as great a chief as Insato?' tree →

Note

An abbreviation of «business», said «biz» (rhymes with «his»). Informal: in written work use «business». «Showbiz» is usually written as one word. Uncountable when it means an industry.