Greetings!

I find that the word "Zen" is often used as an adjective in contexts such as, "this place is very zen" or "he is a zen dude." In both cases I find that the word is used to indicate a sort of peacefulness, serenity and maybe spiritual nature.

The word Zen is a Japanese term that roughly means meditation or complete absorption. This Japanese word is derived from the Chinese term "Chan" and the Sanskrit term "dhyana." Though direct translations may vary, most scholars seem to agree that the term is a word for what we call meditation. Zen-Buddhism is a form of buddhism that holds to central doctrine of illumination, or sudden awakening through this immersion or meditation. Za-Zen is a particular method of meditation that is rather central to Zen buddhism.

In western culture, the used of the term as an adjective seems to speak to the imagery and feelings surrounding zen buddhism and it's rituals rather than to the true roots of the word.

"Those who who do not speak;
Those who speak do not know"