The Oxford English Dictionary’s publisher, Oxford University Press, has announced “rizz” as the 2023 Word of the Year, signifying style, charm, or the ability to attract a romantic or sexual partner. 

This term, believed to be derived from “charisma,” reflects the creative linguistic shortcuts similar to “fridge” from “refrigerator” or “flu” from “influenza.” “Rizz” can also function as a verb, as in “to rizz up,” meaning to attract or seduce someone.

Predominantly used on social media, “rizz” resonates with the younger generation, particularly Gen Z, and may not be familiar to others. 

Oxford University Press highlighted the word as a fascinating example of language evolution within specific communities before gaining broader acceptance. The release emphasized the role of younger generations in owning and defining their language use, whether online or in person.

The publisher anticipates “rizz” becoming part of everyday language over time. Oxford Languages President Casper Grathwohl noted the significant rise in “rizz” usage, underscoring the impact of internet culture on everyday speech and future language trends.

“Rizz was chosen by the language experts at OUP as an interesting example of how language can be formed, shaped, and shared within communities, before being picked up more widely.

“It speaks to how younger generations create spaces ­— online or in person — where they own and define the language they use,” OUP stated in a release.

The word’s popularity surged in June after actor Tom Holland’s Buzzfeed interview response about his lack of “rizz.” To appeal to Gen Z, Tinder implemented a “rizz-first redesign” this year.

Oxford University Press had previously shortlisted words like “beige flag,” “Swiftie,” and “de-influencing” for Word of the Year 2023, but “rizz” ultimately triumphed.

Grathwohl expressed delight in the public’s engagement with the Word of the Year selection, celebrating the lively debates and discussions on language that reflect our identity and help us interpret the world.

In related news, Merriam-Webster also recognized “rizz” as a top word of 2023, while Collins Dictionary chose “artificial intelligence” as its word of the year in November 2023.