the zoomies

Meanings

1. 1nounplural

   A sudden burst of wild, fast running and playing by a pet, especially a dog or cat, usually for no obvious reason.

   Grammar: Always plural and used with the: the puppy has the zoomies.

   Patterns

   • have the zoomies
   • get the zoomies

   After her bath, the dog got the zoomies and raced around the living room.

   My cat always has the zoomies at three in the morning.

   The puppy had the zoomies and kept sliding on the kitchen floor.

2. 2nounpluralhumorous

   A sudden rush of energy in a person, especially a child, that makes them run around or act wildly.

   Grammar: Humorous when used about people: the kids have the zoomies.

   Patterns

   • have the zoomies

   The kids got the zoomies after eating cake at the party.

   I had the zoomies after three coffees and cleaned the whole house.

Common combinations

have the zoomies

The kitten has the zoomies again.

get the zoomies

Our dog gets the zoomies every evening.

a case of the zoomies

It was just a case of the zoomies, so don't worry.

burst of the zoomies

After a burst of the zoomies, the cat fell asleep.

catch a dog with the zoomies

It is hard to film a dog with the zoomies.

Synonyms and how they differ

hyperactivity

Hyperactivity is a formal word for ongoing overactive behavior, while the zoomies is short, playful bursts.

frenzy

Frenzy suggests wild, sometimes anxious or violent excitement, but the zoomies is harmless and cheerful.

burst of energy

A burst of energy is a neutral phrase that could apply to anyone, whereas the zoomies is used especially for animals.

Word family

zoom verb

to move very fast

zoomy adjective

informal word for fast or energetic

zoom noun

the sound or act of moving fast

Commonly confused: the zoomies or Zoom?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “the zoomies”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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