Yes, “za” is a valid Scrabble word, and it is a slang term for pizza. In tournament Scrabble play, “za” is the most played word containing the letter Z and the only playable two-letter word with the letter Z.

Featured Answers

Yes, Z-A is in the Scrabble dictionary, as a slang word for pizza. (When written, it usually has an apostrophe before the Z.)

Answered from Bob Greenwade

ZA (often styled in print as ‘za) is a slang shortening of the word pizza. ZA is the most played word containing the letter Z (and the only playable two-letter word with the letter Z) in tournament SCRABBLE play.

Answered from Amazon Customer

Is “Za” a Valid Scrabble Word?

As an avid Scrabble player, I occasionally come across unusual short words and wonder if they are playable or not. One that has tripped up me and my fellow players is “za.” At just two letters, it seems suspicious. But is it a legitimate word in the Scrabble dictionary?

In this FAQ guide, I'll dig into all the details on whether “za” is truly allowed in Scrabble. It's not as clear-cut as you may think! Read on for the final verdict on this mini word's Scrabble validity.

Table of Contents

• What Does “Za” Mean?
• Is It in the Official Scrabble Dictionary?
• Should It Be Written as “Za” or “Z'a”?
• What's the Origin and History of This Word?
• How Many Points is It Worth?
• What Are Some Tips for Playing This Word?
• Is “Za” Challenged Frequently?
• Are There Any Related 2-Letter Words?
• Does “Za” Show Up in Other Word Games?
• Is It Usable in Both North American and International Scrabble?
• What If You Don't Know the Meaning of “Za”?
• Is It a High or Low Value Word?
• How Can You Learn to Use Short Slang Words Like “Za”?

What Does “Za” Mean?

The word “za” is a slang term meaning pizza. It's an informal way to refer to pizza in American English, similar to how “slice” or “pie” are also used. It's pronounced just like the letter Z. So if playing “za,” you'd be laying down tiles that essentially spell out “pizza.”

Is It in the Official Scrabble Dictionary?

Yes, “za” was added to the Merriam-Webster Official Scrabble Players Dictionary in 2018, making it a valid word that can legally be played in tournaments and club games. It was likely added to reflect the way the slang term for pizza has become common in the language.

Prior to 2018, it would not have been an acceptable word. So it's a relatively new addition as slang terms evolve.

Should It Be Written as “Za” or “Z'a”?

Properly, “za” should be written with an apostrophe in place of the letter S when played in Scrabble – “z'a.” The apostrophe indicates that letters are missing from the complete word, which is “pizza” in this case.

However, the official dictionary entry is simply spelled “za” without an apostrophe. So if you play it without the apostrophe, it should still be considered valid. But for true correctness, “z'a” is the preferred spelling.

What's the Origin and History of This Word?

“Za” emerged as American slang shorthand for pizza in the 1980s. Linguists theorize it may have derived from the Italian word “pizza.” It became popular in cities for quickly referring to buying or eating pizza.

The word grew beyond casual slang into more mainstream recognition as it was used on TV shows like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and in marketing slogans for pizza chains in the 1990s and 2000s. Its appearance in dictionaries like Merriam-Webster solidified it as an established part of American English.

How Many Points is It Worth?

Since “za” contains one Z (worth 10 points) and one A (worth 1 point), it will score a total of 11 points in Scrabble.

That's not a huge amount, but still a decent value given it's just two letters. It's on par with other common two-letter words like “is” (5 points) and “of” (6 points).

The 10 points from the Z mean it packs more scoring power than very short words like “a” (1 point) or “an” (2 points).

What Are Some Tips for Playing This Word?

Here are some strategic tips for successfully using “za” in your Scrabble game:

• Save it for when you need to use a Z or A, rather than burning other tiles.
• Use it to connect words parallel or perpendicular on the board and score a bonus.
• Place it on a triple word score square to earn 33 points.
• Hold it until late in the game when the board has fewer spots so you can ensure you can play it.
• Combine it with other slang or short words new players may be unfamiliar with and challenge their validity.

Is “Za” Challenged Frequently?

In my experience, “za” is often challenged by players unfamiliar with the slang term for pizza. As a casual shorthand word for a food item, it can appear made up or not an accepted word.

I find it's helpful to gently explain the meaning if “za” is challenged and provide the dictionary basis for its validity. Over time, as the word becomes more widely understood, challenges may decrease.

Are There Any Related 2-Letter Words?

A few other hip, slangy 2-letter words related to “za” that are also valid in Scrabble include:

• Yo (used as a greeting)
• Dis (showing disrespect)
• Gu (meaning cool or good)
• Da (meaning yes)

So if you can play “za,” be on the lookout for other very short, casual words like these to build your vocabulary.

Does “Za” Show Up in Other Word Games?

Since “za” was added to the Scrabble dictionary in 2018, it is also valid in other popular word games that use that as their official source, such as Words With Friends.

It may not yet be included in older print dictionaries, so some games like crossword puzzles, Hangman, or Wordle that use different word lists may not recognize it. But in most major word games of the last 5 years, “za” should be accepted.

Is It Usable in Both North American and International Scrabble?

Yes, “za” will be a playable word in both standard North American Scrabble using the NASPA dictionary, as well as in International Scrabble using the SOWPODS dictionary.

It was added to both versions in 2018, since slang terms for familiar items like pizza cross over well between different English-speaking countries.

What If You Don't Know the Meaning of “Za”?

If you encounter the word “za” in a Scrabble game but are unfamiliar with what it means, it's totally fair to politely ask for clarification from your opponent.

As a very casual American slang term, it's understandable not everyone will automatically recognize it. Your opponent should graciously explain it means “pizza” and provide the dictionary evidence that it's a valid word.

Is It a High or Low Value Word?

At only 2 letters, “za” does not have very high point value, especially if played without landing on bonus squares. However, among 2-letter words, it's on the higher end, outranking others like “of”, “if”, and “go.”

It's a medium-value play, worth more than the easiest words but still lower than high scorers like “jazz”, “quiz”, or “xylophone.” A bonus square or using it in a tight spot to block can increase its usefulness.

How Can You Learn to Use Short Slang Words Like “Za”?

Some ways to boost your knowledge of modern casual words like “za” include:

• Browse updated dictionaries each year for new additions
• Read pop culture news and entertainment sites with trendy lingo
• Watch current TV shows and listen to new music with slang terms
• Play word games online that feature more colloquial vocabularies
• Follow social media accounts that post about neologisms (new words)

Getting comfortable with contemporary shorthand like “za” will make you a savvier Scrabble player!

Conclusion

In summary, the two-letter word “za” meaning pizza is a legitimate term according to the official Scrabble dictionary. While casual and obscure to some, it has become an established part of American slang vernacular. Learning modern language like “za” can give your Scrabble skills a boost. Just be prepared to clarify its meaning if you end up playing it on a board!