The word "razzie" is an informal term used to describe a dishonourable award or recognition. It is derived from the name of the Golden Raspberry Awards, an annual ceremony that recognizes the worst in cinematic achievement. The phonetic transcription of "razzie" is /ˈræzi/, with the stress on the first syllable. The spelling is consistent with the English language's tendency to add -ie as a diminutive suffix for informal or playful words, such as "ruggie" for rug or "hankie" for handkerchief.
Razzie, short for "Golden Raspberry Award" (also known as the "Razzie Award"), is an informal satirical award awarded annually to recognize the worst in film. The term "Razzie" is a colloquialism derived from the word "raspberry," known in show business slang as a derisive sound made by blowing air through pursed lips to show contempt or ridicule. It is often used to convey disapproval or dissatisfaction.
The Razzie Award was created in 1980 by American copywriter and publicist John Wilson, who wanted to establish a counterpart to the prestigious Academy Awards, which celebrate excellence in filmmaking. Razzies, on the other hand, focus on highlighting the worst performances, films, and elements in the film industry from the previous year. The infamous Razzie statuette, a Golden Raspberry atop a Super 8mm film reel, is typically handcrafted and spray-painted gold.
The Razzie Awards ceremony is usually held on the same weekend as the Oscars, attracting media attention and providing comedic relief to the glitz and glamour of the more traditional awards show. Films and individuals deemed "winners" or "losers" at the Razzies become part of the film industry's shared cultural lexicon, helping to establish a humorous and often self-deprecating narrative around the art form. Razzie Awards are known for their lighthearted and satirical approach, offering an alternative perspective to the more serious accolades in the industry.
The word "Razzie" is a colloquial term used to refer to the Golden Raspberry Awards. These awards recognize the worst in cinematic achievement each year. The term "Razzie" is actually a shortened form of "raspberry". In this context, "raspberry" is slang for a sound that is made by blowing air through the lips, often associated with expressing disapproval or derision. The origin of using "raspberry" to convey negativity or mockery is not precisely known, but it has been used as such since the early 20th century. Hence, the term "Razzie" is derived from this informal term and was chosen to represent the anti-awards that recognize the worst performances in film.