“Rizz”, meaning romantic appeal, has been chosen as the Oxford 2023 word of the year.
A team of experts and tens of thousands of public votes selected ‘rizz’ as the word which most captures 2023.
And, if you don’t already know, it’s used (mainly by Gen Z) to describe someone’s ability to attract a romantic partner.
The slang term beat seven other contenders to win word of the year, including Swiftie which is, of course, the word used to describe fans of Taylor Swift.
Recorded uses of the word ‘rizz’ have increased dramatically this year, peaking in June when Spider-Man actor Tom Holland was asked about his ‘rizz’ in a widely shared interview.
He answered: “I have no rizz whatsoever.”
According to the Oxford University Press, “rizz” is defined as style, charm, or attractiveness; the ability to attract a romantic or sexual partner.
It is thought to be a shortened version of the word charisma.
It’s unusual to take the middle part of a word for its shortened form. Other examples include ‘fridge’ (from refrigerator) and ‘flu’ (from influenza).
And if you can’t get enough of it as a noun, you can also use it as a verb by using the phrase ‘rizz up’, which means to attract or seduce someone.
Experts from Oxford University Press said the shortlist of eight words and phrases was chosen to most reflect the mood, ethos, or preoccupations of the last year.
Source- Sky News
