Language enthusiasts have spoken and they have named a winner for Oxford’s Word of the Year 2023. After debates and discussions, “rizz” snagged the coveted title, outshining contenders like Swiftie (fans of Taylor Swift), prompt, and situationship (romantic relationships that have no labels).
But what’s the scoop on “rizz,” you ask?
Defined as “style, charm, or attractiveness; the ability to attract a romantic or sexual partner,” “rizz” is the cool-kid term for charisma, pulling triple duty as a verb, a noun, and an adjective.
We prompted AI to see how “rizz” can be used as an adjective:
“The fashion show featured models donning outfits that exuded a distinct rizz flair, showcasing the latest trends in style, charm, and attractiveness.”
As a verb:
“At the party, he managed to rizz up a fascinating conversation with the guests, showcasing his ability to attract and engage with others effortlessly.”
As a noun:
“His impeccable sense of style and undeniable charm gave him a unique rizz that set him apart from the crowd.”
While “rizz” may not be on everyone’s vocabulary list, Oxford is tuning into the rapid evolution in linguistic trends, hinting at future language shifts.
“It’s incredible to witness the public engaging in the Word of the Year selection. The discussions and debates around language underscore its power in helping us understand ourselves and the world,” said Casper Grathwohl, President of Oxford Languages, weighing in on the buzz.
“In contrast to last year’s ‘goblin mode,’ ‘rizz’ emerges, perhaps indicating a prevailing mood in 2023 where people are opening up after challenging times and gaining confidence in their identities,” he added.
