What Does Rizz Mean? Decoding the Slang Phenomenon of 2023
In 2023, the Oxford University Press (OUP) crowned “rizz” as the Word of the Year. This viral term has skyrocketed in popularity, especially among Gen Z and teens, who have embraced it as part of their daily slang. But what is the rizz definition, and why does it hold such appeal? The term “rizz,” short for “charisma,” captures the ability to attract, often used to describe someone’s romantic or sexual allure. “Rizz” is the latest in a series of viral terms from the Oxford English Dictionary, joining the ranks of previous “Words of the Year” like “goblin mode.” Here, we’ll explore the origins, meanings, and nuances of rizz in 2023, including its official definition and usage in popular culture, as highlighted by Merriam-Webster.
What Does the Slang Term “Rizz” Mean?
The slang word “rizz” is a way to describe someone’s ability to attract others through confidence, charm, or “game.” Initially popularized by Twitch streamer Kai Cenat, “rizz” can be used both as a noun (“He’s got rizz”) and a verb (“He’s rizzing her up”). This teen slang term quickly gained traction on TikTok and social media, where it has been used to describe various levels of attractiveness and charisma, becoming a word of 2023. It’s now a favorite in Gen Z conversations about verbal communication and attraction, reflecting the trends of the year for 2023, particularly the
The Etymology of “Rizz” – Where Did It Come From?
The etymology of “rizz” traces back to online streaming culture, where Twitch influencer Kai Cenat coined it to describe someone’s “ability to attract” in a romantic sense. This linguistic phenomenon has since exploded on social media, becoming a staple in Gen Z’s digital language, much like the “Rizz” entered mainstream usage after being picked up in viral memes, YouTube videos, and BuzzFeed interviews, capturing a moment in language that enjoys intense popularity and currency within particular social communities.
Is “Rizz” a Verb or a Noun? How to Use “Rizz” in a Sentence
One of the appeals of the word “rizz” is its flexibility. As a colloquial noun, it’s often used to describe someone’s innate charm or “game,” as in “He has mad rizz.” As a verb, it’s a way of saying someone is actively trying to impress or attract another, as in “He’s rizzing her up.” This slang term, used to describe someone’s style or charisma, has filled a gap in teen slang as an accessible, fun way to discuss attraction.
Types of Rizz – Unspoken, Common, and W Rizz: Often interpreted as “winning” rizz, implying high levels of charm and attraction, akin to Zendaya’s effortless ability to flirt.
There are multiple “types” of rizz that have emerged across social media platforms:
- Unspoken Rizz has become a concept that captures the subtle charm one can possess without overt actions, similar to the allure of Zendaya.: Refers to the ability to attract someone without speaking, often through body language or confident presence.
- Common Rizz: This term refers to the everyday charm and charisma that people exhibit, which has become increasingly relevant in the context of flirting and attraction.: A more general level of charm or confidence, which could be considered average.
- W RizzW Rizz: Often interpreted as “winning” rizz, implying high levels of charm and attraction, especially in the context of the 2023 word of the year, and reminiscent of the charisma displayed by Zendaya.
These variations have boomed on social media, showing how rizz, as a viral term, adapts to multiple contexts in verbal communication about romantic or sexual attraction.
How to Use “Rizz” in Everyday Language
“Rizz” has made its way into everyday slang. For example, fans of celebrities might say, “Actor Tom Holland has real rizz,” or “Zendaya’s got unspoken rizz.” By 2023, this slang word has gone beyond social media platforms, becoming part of mainstream vocabulary, reinforcing its status as Oxford’s word of the year. Even Oxford Languages president Casper Grathwohl acknowledged its impact in an OUP news release, saying it’s a term that speaks to how language is shaped by social media.
Why “Rizz” Became the Word of the Year
The selection of “rizz” as the Oxford Word of the Year highlights the intense popularity and currency of slang within particular social communities, especially those on TikTok and Twitch. The term, widely used by Gen Z and even Gen Alpha, reflects a new generation’s approach to describing “the ability to attract” others. According to language experts and Casper Grathwohl of Oxford Languages, “rizz” is a fresh addition to our cultural lexicon and encapsulates the playful creativity driving modern language today.
The Future of “Rizz” in the Lexicon
The evolution of “rizz” reflects the broader trends in language influenced by social media, influencers, and platforms that create communities around new terms. Its rise to Word of the Year by Oxford University Press showcases how quickly colloquial words can go mainstream. Whether it’s “limited rizz” or “livvy rizzed,” this word embodies the creativity of teen slang, setting a linguistic trend for 2023 and beyond. As language continues to shift, “rizz” joins words like “swiftie,” “goblin mode,” and other viral terms in showing how we adapt our vocabulary to capture what we value and admire.