Oxford University Press, the publisher of the Oxford English Dictionary, has designated “rizz” the word of the year for 2023.
Rizz is associated with style, charm, or attractiveness. It can also refer to one’s capacity to find a romantic or sexual partner.
The term “charisma” is assumed to be a shorter version of the word “charisma,” obtained from the center section of the word. Identical examples include refrigerators becoming refrigerators and influenza, sometimes known as the flu.
It can also be used as a verb, as in “to rizz up,” which meaning “to attract, seduce, or chat up someone.”
The term is largely used on social media, and it is particularly popular among younger generations. As a result, it may not convey anything to individuals who are not members of Generation Z.
“Rizz was chosen by the language experts at OUP as an interesting example of how language can be formed, shaped, and shared within communities, before being picked up more widely.
“It speaks to how younger generations create spaces — online or in person — where they own and define the language they use,” OUP stated in a release.
The publisher said the word would be everyday language over time.
“The spike in usage data for rizz goes to prove that words and phrases that evolve from internet culture are increasingly becoming part of day-to-day vernacular and will continue to shape language trends in the future,” Oxford Languages President, Casper Grathwohl said in a statement.
The publishing platform noted that the word gained its peak popularity in June of this year after actor Tom Holland was asked in a Buzzfeed interview about his rizz, and he said he had “no rizz whatsoever.”
In an action to bring in younger users (Gen Z), popular dating app, Tinder introduced a “rizz-first redesign” this year
Earlier on its X handle, OUP shortlisted rizz, beige flag, Swiftie, de-influencing, prompt, heat dome, situationship and parasocial as its Word Of The Year 2023.
Eventually, rizz emerged as the #WOTY23.
“It has been incredible to see the public once again enjoying being a part of the Word of the Year selection.
“Witnessing thousands of people debate and discuss language like this really highlights the power it has in helping us to understand who we are, and process what’s happening to the world around us,” Grathwohl said.
Earlier, Merriam-Webster also named rizz one of its top words of 2023 and in November 2023, Collins Dictionary had “artificial intelligence” as its word of 2023.