‘Rizz’ charms Oxford wordsmiths to win word of 2023

MANILA, Philippines — A shortened form of the word charisma, “Rizz” has been named “Word of the Year” by Oxford Languages, publisher of the Oxford English Dictionary.

Oxford defined the noun “rizz” as “style, charm or attractiveness; the ability to attract a romantic or sexual partner.”

“Pertaining to someone’s ability to attract another person through style, charm or attractiveness, this term is from the middle part of the word ‘charisma,’ which is an unusual word formation pattern,” Oxford said.

“The word ‘rizz’ can also be used as a verb, often in the phrase ‘rizz up,’ which means ‘to attract, seduce or chat up (a person),’ ” it added.

According to Oxford, the word’s usage increased dramatically in 2023, particularly in June when actor Tom Holland, known for his role as Spiderman in the Marvel cinematic universe, responded to an interview question about his “rizz.”

“I have no rizz whatsoever, I have limited rizz,” the actor said.

“Rizz” was selected after Oxford received more than 32,000 votes and discussion among a team of language experts.

Shortlisted words include “prompt,” defined as an instruction given to an artificial intelligence program, algorithm, etc., which determines or influences the content it generates; “situationship” or a romantic or sexual relationship that is not considered to be formal or established; and “Swiftie” defined as an enthusiastic fan of the singer Taylor Swift.

Other shortlisted words were “beige flag,” “de-influencing,” “heat dome” and “parasocial.”

Last year’s Word of the Year was “goblin mode,” a slang term defined as a “type of behavior which is unapologetically self-indulgent, lazy, slovenly or greedy, typically in a way that rejects social norms or expectations.”