In 2023, the Oxford University Press announced a slang word as its “Word of the Year,” surprising some and delighting many, especially fans of social media and Gen Z slang. But what does rizz mean? This word, “rizz,” is more than just a trend—it’s a noun, a verb, a TikTok favorite, and a concept that captures the essence of charisma and attraction in a fresh way. Let’s dive into what “rizz” means, where it came from, and why it took social media by storm.
What Does Rizz Mean?
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The term “rizz” has quickly become a key part of today’s slang vocabulary. So, what does “rizz” mean? At its core, “rizz” is short for “charisma,” and it often describes the ability to attract or captivate someone, especially in a romantic or flirty context. It’s not just about looks; “rizz” implies a certain smoothness or charm that makes a person attractive in the eye of the beholder. This “ability to attract” isn’t about saying the right words but about a confidence and allure that speaks for itself—often dubbed “unspoken rizz.”
Rizz as a Noun and Verb
In modern usage, “rizz” functions as both a noun and a verb. When used as a noun, “rizz” refers to someone’s natural charisma or “game.” For example, someone might say, “He’s got that unspoken rizz,” referring to a quiet confidence that draws others in. As a verb, “rizz” takes on a more action-oriented meaning: to “rizz” someone is to try and win them over with charm. For instance, you might hear, “He’s trying to rizz up his crush.” Here, “rizz” becomes synonymous with actively using charm to attract.
The Etymology of Rizz
The origins of “rizz” trace back to Twitch streamer Kai Cenat, who is credited with popularizing the term in 2021. Cenat used it frequently in his streams, where he’d interact with fans, and his charisma became a talking point. He referred to his own ability to “spit game” as having “rizz,” effectively labeling his approach to attraction with a new term. It wasn’t long before Cenat’s followers—and soon the broader online community—began using “rizz” as a shorthand for charisma and romantic allure.
How TikTok Made “Rizz” Go Viral
From Twitch, “rizz” made its way to TikTok, where the platform’s younger users quickly adopted and adapted the term. TikTok videos featuring “rizz” often show users demonstrating their ability to attract others, using humor, dance, and sometimes even fictional scenarios to showcase what “rizz” looks like. Some popular TikTok challenges encourage users to showcase their “unspoken rizz” or their confidence without words. As the term gained popularity, the Oxford University Press took notice of the intense currency “rizz” held within Gen Z and TikTok communities.
Why Oxford University Press Named “Rizz” the 2023 Word of the Year
Each year, Oxford University Press selects a word that reflects societal trends, cultural shifts, and the evolving language that encapsulates them. In 2023, they chose “rizz” as their Word of the Year, citing its widespread popularity and its unique place in today’s language. According to Oxford Languages president Casper Grathwohl, “rizz” speaks to the rise of digital communities where language is constantly evolving. Its journey from niche slang to global recognition exemplifies how words gain popularity and change in meaning within particular social communities, enjoying intense popularity among Gen Z and even Gen Alpha.
How to Use “Rizz” in a Sentence
If you’re new to “rizz,” using it in conversation might feel unfamiliar, but it’s simple. Here are some common ways the word appears:
- Noun: “She’s got mad rizz.”
- Verb: “He tried to rizz up his crush at the party.”
Whether used as a noun or verb, “rizz” has become a way to describe not just attraction but a specific type of confidence. It’s not always about looks or style; it’s often the quiet, unspoken “rizz” that wins people over.
Unspoken Rizz: What It Is and Why It Matters
“Unspoken rizz” is a popular phrase associated with subtle charisma. People who have “unspoken rizz” don’t necessarily need to use flashy words or grand gestures to be noticed. Instead, their presence alone seems to attract others effortlessly. Think of actor Tom Holland or his co-star Zendaya—both stars are known for their undeniable appeal without overtly trying to impress. This type of “unspoken rizz” resonates with fans, especially younger ones on platforms like TikTok, who look up to these personalities as examples of magnetic yet humble confidence.
Rizz in Pop Culture
Pop culture has played a significant role in making “rizz” a word that resonates across generations. As a concept, “rizz” goes beyond slang—it represents a cultural phenomenon where influencers, actors, and streamers each showcase a unique style of charisma. For instance, in a recent Buzzfeed interview, Henry de Tolla explained how personalities like Cenat, Holland, and others shape trends in charisma and appeal. They highlight the evolution of “rizz” from a specific term on Twitch to a universal expression recognized by Oxford Languages.
Kai Cenat’s influence remains key to the story of “rizz,” and his use of the term helped cement it in Gen Z vocabulary. Other pop culture icons—Tom Holland, Zendaya, and even the fictional “donkey from Shrek”—embody the spirit of “rizz,” each adding their own take on charisma.
Rizz and Language Evolution: What Experts Say
Language experts, including Oxford Languages, agree that terms like “rizz” showcase how language that enjoys intense popularity and currency within social communities can evolve. “Rizz” serves as an example of how the digital age influences slang words that bridge the gap between online culture and traditional language standards. Casper Grathwohl noted in a news release that terms like “rizz” highlight the way language evolves across platforms, with new expressions gaining traction in record time.
In 2022, Oxford’s Word of the Year was “goblin mode,” a slang term that captured a carefree attitude. In 2023, “rizz” represents the opposite—charisma and the pursuit of connection. It reflects a language evolution that allows younger generations to define terms that reflect their identities, values, and social norms.
Other Uses of Rizz: Limited Rizz, Goblin Rizz, and More
The popularity of “rizz” has led to variations like “limited rizz” and “goblin rizz.” These phrases humorously describe people who lack charisma or possess it in unusual ways. For example, someone with “limited rizz” might try to be charming but lack the confidence or charisma to pull it off. “Goblin rizz” is another playful term, combining 2022’s Word of the Year, “goblin mode,” with “rizz” to represent a quirky or unconventional type of charm.
Dr. Marcus Devereux, Linguistics Professor and Youth Culture Specialist
“In the year for 2023, we saw ‘rizz’ chosen as the Oxford Word of the Year, a testament to its cultural weight and linguistic relevance. The rizz definition, according to Oxford English, holds that ‘rizz,’ short for “charisma,” is an ability to attract a romantic partner, a notion that has boomed on social media. This term that has boomed, especially on platforms like TikTok, is a colloquial noun now widely accepted even beyond teen slang communities.
De Tolla says, ‘the official definition of “rizz” acknowledges its dual use as both noun and verb, often interchanged by teens and young adults alike.’ In fact, OUP and the Oxford English Dictionary both recognize ‘rizz’ as a term defined as style, charisma, or “game.” The influence of this viral term even extends to popular culture references, such as the unspoken charm of the ‘donkey from Shrek’ or characters like ‘Spider-Man,’ both of whom embody the humorous yet relatable form of attraction known as “rizz.”
Grathwohl said in an interview with Buzzfeed, ‘The usage of the word “rizz” speaks to how language evolves within particular social communities, showing currency within particular social networks.’ Notably, its rise correlates with the success of Youtuber and Twitch influencers, who made ‘rizz’ and “livvy rizzed” part of everyday slang.
As Cenat explained, “rizz” is about natural attractiveness, not always about words but about a certain allure, often used to describe the ‘ability to attract a romantic or sexual partner.’ Merriam-Webster and Dictionary.com also mark “rizz” as a colloquial word with colloquial usage, emphasizing it as a flexible, fun word used across social settings. Whether someone calls themselves a “Swiftie” or “baby gronk,” it’s undeniable that the popularity of “rizz” has reached new heights, symbolizing a term that has not only caught the attention of young generations but also of linguists exploring how language adapts in the digital era.”
Why 2025 is the Year of Rizz
In 2025, “rizz” is more than just slang; it’s a cultural milestone. With “rizz” gaining traction on TikTok, Twitch, and platforms like Buzzfeed, it’s clear that this term has taken on a life of its own. Its journey from Kai Cenat’s Twitch stream to Oxford’s Word of the Year demonstrates how digital platforms create and amplify new language trends. In selecting “rizz,” Oxford University Press acknowledged not just a new word but a movement that redefines charisma, confidence, and connection.
As we move forward, the rise of “rizz” shows how language will continue to evolve in response to online communities and pop culture. It reminds us that the words we use—and the confidence we exude—matter more than ever in the digital age.