By Bryan Pinero
Each year, a new wave of slang words or phrases, usually stemming from social media, are heavily popularized by the general public. In 2023, the media has seen a wide range of slang terminology, including words such as “slay”, “finna,” and “situationship.” But from all these words, the term ‘rizz’ was chosen as Oxford’s 2023 Word of the Year, according to an article by The New York Times.
The word ‘rizz’ stems from the word charisma. Just like its parent word, the term is meant to be used as a way to express the ability of someone to have attractiveness or charm, which can influence or inspire others.
But how and why did ‘rizz’ become a popular term among people, especially Gen Z and Gen Alpha?
In 2022, the Youtuber and Twitch streamer, Kai Cenat, started posting videos online where he would give his audience “rizz tips.” In an interview with Complex, Kai stated that the word came from him and his friends just repeatedly saying the word amongst each other. As soon as one person said it, others would follow.
“And when I would say it on stream and stuff, a lot, it started going crazy…Then it went crazy internationally. Everybody says it now, it’s just in people’s vocabulary,” said Kai.
Even actor Tom Holland, who is known for his role playing Peter Parker/Spider-Man, would have an interview with BuzzFeed Celeb, where he was asked, among several questions, “What’s the secret to your rizz?”
“I have no rizz whatsoever. I have limited rizz. My brother Paddy has ultimate rizz. I don’t know. I need you to fall in love with me, really, for it to work,” said Tom.
With 2023 having less than a month left, we will soon be brought into the new year. It’s certain that we will be exposed to another number of slang terms in the year to come. Although we can’t predict if the term ‘rizz’ will carry on into 2024, its label as the 2023 Word of the Year, will ensure it is remembered as a staple of the past year.
