In a nod to contemporary language trends, the Oxford University Press has declared 'rizz' as the word of the year for 2023.
Internet slang, primarily used by the younger generation, refers to romantic appeal, style, charm, or one's ability to attract a romantic or sexual partner. The term is seen as a shortened form of "charisma."
'Rizz' emerged victorious among eight contenders on the shortlist, including 'Swiftie' and 'situationship,' reflecting the evolving ethos and preoccupations of 2023.
The selection process involved language experts and tens of thousands of public votes.
The term gained widespread popularity, particularly on social media platforms like TikTok, with billions of views for related hashtags.
Its usage spiked in June when actor Tom Holland, known for his role in Spider-Man, addressed questions about his 'rizz' in an interview.
According to the Oxford University Press, 'rizz' showcases how younger generations shape and share language within their communities, creating spaces online or in person where they own and define the language they use.
The word's rapid integration into everyday language exemplifies the influence of internet culture on linguistic trends.
'Rizz' joins the ranks of previous words of the year that originated from social media and internet culture. The Oxford Language President, Casper Grathwohl, emphasized the role of words and phrases from online platforms in shaping language trends at an accelerated pace.
The announcement of 'rizz' as the word of the year highlights the dynamic nature of language evolution and the impact of internet culture on linguistic expression.
