Fuzz vs. Buzz — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 4, 2024
Fuzz refers to soft, fine, fluffy fibers, while buzz signifies a low, continuous humming or murmuring sound.
Difference Between Fuzz and Buzz
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Fuzz is characterized by its soft, fine texture, often found on fabrics or as a light coating on surfaces. Whereas, buzz describes a sound, typically a low and continuous humming, often associated with insects like bees or electrical devices.
Fuzz can be a desirable feature in textiles, providing a cozy, tactile sensation. On the other hand, buzz is commonly associated with annoyance or irritation in everyday environments, particularly when it's constant and unavoidable.
In law enforcement, fuzz is also a slang term for police, implying a soft but pervasive presence. While, in popular culture, buzz can mean excitement or hype around a particular event or product, reflecting its dynamic and pervasive nature.
In audio and electronics, fuzz is used to describe a distortion effect that adds a warm, gritty texture to sound. Conversely, buzz in electronics often indicates a flaw or malfunction, such as unwanted noise in an audio system.
In grooming and pets, fuzz refers to fine, soft hair or fur, highlighting a gentle and appealing aspect. Meanwhile, buzz can refer to the sound of a buzz cut with clippers, emphasizing a sharp, distinct action.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Soft, fine fibers on surfaces or textiles.
A low, continuous humming or murmuring sound.
Connotation
Generally positive in textiles, negative in slang.
Often negative, unless referring to excitement.
Usage
Textiles, slang for police.
Sound of insects, electronics, or excitement.
In Audio
Distortion effect in music.
Unwanted noise in electronics.
In Grooming
Refers to soft hair or fur.
Refers to the sound of cutting hair very short.
Compare with Definitions
Fuzz
Soft, fine surface fibers.
The sweater has a lot of fuzz after washing.
Buzz
Electronic interference.
There's an annoying buzz coming from the speaker.
Fuzz
Distortion in music.
He prefers the fuzz effect on his guitar for a vintage sound.
Buzz
A low, continuous humming sound.
The buzz of the refrigerator is quite loud.
Fuzz
Slang for police.
The fuzz showed up at the party after a noise complaint.
Buzz
Excitement or hype.
There is a lot of buzz about the new movie release.
Fuzz
Fluffy appearance of hair or fur.
The kitten's fuzz makes it incredibly soft to touch.
Buzz
The sound of bees.
The garden was alive with the buzz of busy bees.
Fuzz
Light, airy particles.
The morning dew clung to the fuzz on the leaves.
Buzz
Sound of hair clippers.
He got a haircut with a buzz that was very short.
Fuzz
A mass or coating of fine, light fibers, hairs, or particles; down
The fuzz on a peach.
Buzz
To make a low droning or vibrating sound like that of a bee.
Fuzz
The police.
Buzz
To talk, often excitedly, in low tones.
Fuzz
To cover with fine, light fibers, hairs, or particles.
Buzz
To be abuzz; hum
The department was buzzing with rumors.
Fuzz
To make blurred or indistinct
Fuzzing the difference between the two candidates.
Worked quickly to fuzz up the details of the scandal.
Buzz
To move quickly and busily; bustle.
Fuzz
To become blurred or obscure.
Buzz
To make a signal with a buzzer.
Fuzz
A frizzy mass of hair or fibre.
Buzz
To cause to buzz.
Fuzz
Quality of an image that is unclear; a blurred image.
Buzz
To utter in a rapid, low voice
"What is he buzzing in my ears?" (Robert Browning).
Fuzz
(computing) The random data used in fuzz testing.
Buzz
(Informal) To fly low over
The plane buzzed the control tower.
Fuzz
A distorted sound, especially from an electric guitar or other amplified instrument.
Buzz
To call or signal with a buzzer.
Fuzz
A state of befuddlement.
Buzz
To make a telephone call to.
Fuzz
The police, or any law enforcement agency.
Buzz
To give a buzzcut to.
Fuzz
(transitive) To make fuzzy.
Buzz
A vibrating, humming, or droning sound.
Fuzz
(intransitive) To become fuzzy.
Buzz
A low murmur
A buzz of talk.
Fuzz
To make drunk.
Buzz
A telephone call
Give me a buzz at nine.
Fuzz
(computing) To test a software component by running it on randomly generated input.
Buzz
A state of pleasant intoxication, as from alcohol.
Fuzz
To fly off in minute particles with a fizzing sound, like water from hot metal.
Buzz
A state of stimulation or overstimulation, as from caffeine.
Fuzz
To make drunk.
Buzz
Excited interest or attention
"The biggest buzz surrounds the simplest antioxidants.
Fuzz
To fly off in minute particles.
Buzz
Rumor; gossip
The latest buzz from Hollywood.
Fuzz
Fine, light particles or fibers; loose, volatile matter.
Buzz
A buzzcut.
Fuzz
Filamentous hairlike growth on a plant;
Peach fuzz
Buzz
A continuous humming noise, as of bees; a confused murmur, as of general conversation in low tones.
Fuzz
Uncomplimentary terms for a policeman
Buzz
A whisper.
Fuzz
A hazy or indistinct representation;
It happened so fast it was just a blur
He tried to clear his head of the whisky fuzz
Buzz
The audible friction of voiced consonants.
Fuzz
The first beard of an adolescent boy
Buzz
(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.
Buzz
(informal) A telephone call or e-mail.
Buzz
(informal) Major topic of conversation; widespread rumor; information spread behind the scenes.
Buzz
(uncountable) fizz-buzz
Buzz
(intransitive) To make a low, continuous, humming or sibilant sound, like that made by bees with their wings.
Buzz
(by extension) To utter a murmuring sound; to speak with a low, humming voice.
Buzz
Of a group of people, to talk about some interesting topic excitedly.
Buzz
To fly while making such a sound.
A fly was buzzing past me.
Buzz
(colloquial) To show a high level of activity and haste, energization or excitement, to be busy as a bee in one’s actions but perhaps mentally charged.
Buzz
(transitive) To whisper; to communicate, as tales, in an undertone; to spread, as a report, by whispers or secretly.
Buzz
(transitive) To talk to incessantly or confidentially in a low humming voice.
Buzz
(aviation) To fly at high speed and at a very low altitude over a specified area, as to make a surprise pass.
Buzz
(transitive) To cut the hair in a close-cropped military style, or buzzcut.
Buzz
To drink to the bottom.
Buzz
(transitive) To communicate with (a person) by means of a buzzer.
Buzz
To make a low, continuous, humming or sibilant sound, like that made by bees with their wings. Hence: To utter a murmuring sound; to speak with a low, humming voice.
Like a wasp is buzzed, and stung him.
However these disturbers of our peaceBuzz in the people's ears.
Buzz
To sound forth by buzzing.
Buzz
To whisper; to communicate, as tales, in an under tone; to spread, as report, by whispers, or secretly.
I will buzz abroad such propheciesThat Edward shall be fearful of his life.
Buzz
To talk to incessantly or confidentially in a low humming voice.
Buzz
To sound with a "buzz".
Buzz
A continuous, humming noise, as of bees; a confused murmur, as of general conversation in low tones, or of a general expression of surprise or approbation.
I found the whole room in a buzz of politics.
There is a buzz all around regarding the sermon.
Buzz
A whisper; a report spread secretly or cautiously.
There's a certain buzzOf a stolen marriage.
Buzz
The audible friction of voice consonants.
Buzz
Sound of rapid vibration;
The buzz of a bumble bee
Buzz
A confusion of activity and gossip;
The buzz of excitement was so great that a formal denial was issued
Buzz
Make a buzzing sound;
Bees were buzzing around the hive
Buzz
Fly low;
Planes buzzed the crowds in the square
Buzz
Be noisy with activity;
This office is buzzing with activity
Buzz
Call with a buzzer;
He buzzed the servant
Common Curiosities
What is fuzz?
Fuzz refers to soft, fine fibers that are typically found on fabrics or other surfaces.
Is fuzz always desirable?
While often desirable in textiles for its texture, fuzz can be negative when referring to slang for police or unwanted particles.
What does buzz mean?
Buzz can refer to a low, continuous humming sound or the excitement surrounding an event.
Can buzz be a positive term?
Yes, buzz can be positive when referring to excitement or interest in something.
How is fuzz used in music?
In music, fuzz is used as a type of distortion effect to add a warm, gritty texture to the sound.
What does 'creating a buzz' mean in marketing?
In marketing, 'creating a buzz' means generating excitement and talk about a product or event.
Is there a way to reduce buzz in audio equipment?
Yes, ensuring proper grounding and using high-quality cables can help reduce buzz in audio equipment.
Can fuzz accumulate on any type of fabric?
Fuzz can accumulate on many types of fabrics, especially those prone to pilling like wool and polyester.
What typically causes a buzz sound in electronics?
Buzz sounds in electronics are typically caused by electrical interference or a malfunction.
Can fuzz and buzz be used interchangeably?
No, fuzz and buzz are not interchangeable as they refer to distinctly different concepts.
Why do bees buzz?
Bees buzz due to the vibration of their wings as they fly or work.
What are the environmental impacts of fuzz from synthetic textiles?
Fuzz from synthetic textiles can contribute to microplastic pollution when washed.
What is the best way to remove fuzz from clothing?
Using a lint roller or fabric shaver is effective for removing fuzz from clothing.
Is buzz always related to sound?
While commonly related to sound, buzz can also refer metaphorically to social or media excitement.
How does fuzz relate to grooming pets?
In pet grooming, fuzz refers to the soft, fine hair on animals, often maintained for aesthetics and health.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
