Rizz is The Word of 2023!

After more than 32,000 votes, and a team of language experts, Oxford’s Word of the Year 2023 is... rizz. 👄

I reckon Rizz must have had some pretty unreal ‘rizz’ this year to land the top vote of Oxford’s word of the Year awards… hehe.

The term ‘rizz’ was derived from the term: romantic charisma which outlines someone’s ability to attract another person through style, charm, or attractiveness.

The word first emerged and gained traction from the internet and gaming culture, in 2022 by the YouTube and Twitch streamer Kai Cenat, who posted “rizz tips” videos online. The use of the word went viral in June 2023, when actor, Tom Holland said in an interview with Buzzfeed, said: “I have no rizz whatsoever. I have limited rizz.” 😎

The finalist pairings of 2023 were:

“Swiftie” (An enthusiastic fan of the singer Taylor Swift) vs. “de-influencing,” (discouraging people from buying particular products, or to reduce their consumption of material goods). which related to celebrity culture. 🤩

Others reflected personal characteristics;

“rizz” vs. “beige flag” (a characteristic suggesting a partner is boring). 🤍

…The changing world;

“prompt” (an instruction given to an artificial intelligence program, algorithm, which determines the content it generates) vs. “heat dome” (A persistent high-pressure weather system over a particular geographic area, which traps a mass of hot air below it). 🌳

…and relationships;

“parasocial” (a one-sided relationship sense of intimacy felt by a viewer, fan, or follower) vs. “situationship” (A romantic or sexual relationship that is not considered to be formal or established). 🤝

Previous winners:

2022: Goblin Mode, 2021: VAX, 2020: Unprecedented, 2019: Climate Emergency, 2018: Toxic.