The Rise of ‘Rizz’: Oxford English Dictionary’s Word of the Year
The Allure of ‘Rizz’
2023 has been quite the year for the emergence of new slang terms, but none have captured the attention of language enthusiasts quite like ‘rizz.’ In fact, the prestigious Oxford English Dictionary has deemed it the word of the year.
Derived from the term ‘charisma,’ ‘rizz’ describes someone’s ability to attract others through their style, charm, or physical appeal. It gained widespread popularity in 2023, partly due to the endorsement of YouTube personality and streamer Kai Cenat, but it reached new heights when actor Tom Holland mentioned the lack of ‘rizz’ in an interview with BuzzFeed.
A Collective Choice and Noteworthy Competitors
The Oxford English Dictionary decided to open the word of the year contest to popular vote, resulting in over 32,000 people participating. Alongside ‘rizz,’ other contenders included terms like ‘prompt,’ ‘situationship,’ and ‘Swiftie.’ The shortlist featured words such as ‘beige flag,’ ‘de-influencing,’ ‘heat dome,’ and ‘parasocial.’
For those unfamiliar with these slang terms, it might be best to stick to the vernacular of your own generation.
The Meaning of ‘Rizz’
‘Rizz’ signifies more than its trendy usage might suggest. It’s important not to get carried away with claiming rizz status without truly understanding it. So, here’s a helpful acronym to ensure you’re on the right track:
- Charisma: Consult an expert or reliable source if unsure
- Attractiveness: Seek an external opinion
- Tact: Display at least a semblance of tact
- Semblance of Personality: Be more than a blank slate
If you can check off all the boxes, then you can consider yourself a true rizzler. However, let’s not forget that ‘rizz’ is now part of the vocabulary of the offline world, so it’s crucial to use the term responsibly and with genuine meaning.
Source: Rizzlers rejoice: The Oxford English Dictionary has announced its word of the year
