Moves quickly with a sharp sound, or fastens using a zipper; can also refer to postal codes (ZIP codes).
Imitative of a sharp, quick sound, first recorded in 1875. The fastener sense comes from the trademark 'Zipper' (1925), named for the zipping sound it makes. ZIP code stands for 'Zone Improvement Plan', introduced by the US Postal Service in 1963.
The zipper was initially called a 'clasp locker' and was considered so unreliable that it was mainly used for boots and tobacco pouches. It wasn't until the 1930s that improved versions became common in clothing, and the satisfying 'zip' sound gave the fastener its catchy name.
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