The word Rizz has beat other contenders like “situationship”, “Swiftie” and “parasocial” to become the Oxford Word of the Year 2023.
What does the word ‘Rizz’ mean?
Rizz, essentially means having attractive qualities, charisma and the ability to attract a potential partner.
The word “rizz” refuses to be tied down to a single definition. It cannot be restricted to an adjective usage and can exist as a verb as well. The selection committee did claim that its flexible usage especially as a verb ensures that it would last longer and that it showcases a potential for cultural significance which is what they were looking for in the Word of the Year, in addition to capturing the ethos of the past year.
There have been multiple claims regarding the etymology of the word with the more widely accepted one being the extraction of the middle syllable of the word “Charisma” just like the words “fridge” and “flu” from “refrigerator” and “influenza” respectively.
The word went viral when Tom Holland used it to describe himself as having “limited rizz”. The word also obtained a surge in popularity after influencer Kai Cenat used it on Twitch. He claims to have the official definition of the word, which was a getting someone uninterested in you intrigued.
How does Oxford chose the word of the year?
The New York Times article joked about how Oxford seems to be pandering to an audience that wishes to be entertained by following a reality show format in lexicographical selection.
The oxford lexicographers shortlist words based on the sudden surge in usage and relevance. Later, they invite an audience for a vote. Last year, the word chosen was “goblin mode”. A large majority felt “goblin mode” to be appropriate since it captured the feeling of self-indulgence that people felt they needed after years of pandemic and social political upheavals across the world.
Other words that were contenders to Rizz
A “Swiftie” is a colloquial term used to refer to a devoted fan of Taylor Swift. Swifties are known for their enthusiastic support of Taylor Swift’s music and career. They are often found actively engaging in celebrating the word of the singer-songwriter and participating in fan communities uplifting her work and sharing updates.
“Situationship” is used to describe a romantic or interpersonal connection between individuals that lacks commitment or definition. In a situationship, the boundaries and expectations may be ambiguous. It resembles a romantic relationship where the feelings have not been explicitly communicated and where the relationship has not been labeled anything definitively. Situationships can be characterized by uncertainty, as the nature and future of the connection are not clearly defined.
“Parasocial” refers to a one-sided relationship that is not reciprocated especially with media personalities, celebrities, or fictional characters. This term is commonly used in the context of media, such as television, social media, or other forms of entertainment.
In the advancement of AI and use of “prompts” to generate responses especially in AIs like ChatGPT, the word ‘prompt’ has obtained a new usage and became a contender for the Oxford Word of the Year 2023.
The GenZ Lexicon
The Gen Z lexicon often incorporates internet and social media influenced language, memes, abbreviations, and expressions that resonate with their experiences and worldview. Examples include terms like “lit” (exciting or excellent), “flex” (showing off), “savage” (bold or fearless), and many others.
As language continues to evolve, the Gen Z lexicon provides insight into the ways this generation communicates and expresses themselves in the digital age. It is worth noting that slang and expressions can vary regionally and change relatively quickly, so staying attuned to the evolving lexicon is essential for understanding contemporary youth culture.
