12/04/2023

Oxford's 2023 Word of the Year is... 'Rizz'

The Gen Z slang term derived from "charisma"

It’s official. Oxford University Press, the world’s second-oldest academic press and the publisher of the Oxford English Dictionary, has "rizz."

Or at least, like the rest of us over a certain age, it’s trying to get some. "Rizz"— Gen Z (or is it Gen Alpha?) slang for "style, charm or attractiveness," or "the ability to attract a romantic or sexual partner" — has been named as Oxford’s 2023 Word of the Year, beating out contenders like situationship, prompt, de-influencing and (yes) Swiftie.

"Rizz" emerged out of internet and gaming culture, according to Oxford, and was popularized in 2022 by the YouTube and Twitch streamer Kai Cenat, who posted "rizz tips" videos online. It went viral in June.

Please select this link to read the complete article from The New York Times.