Word of the Year 2023: ‘Rizz’ Takes the Crown, According to Oxford University Press

The Oxford University Press, known for the Oxford English Dictionary, has chosen “rizz” as the 2023 Word of the Year. This word is popular among younger generations and means having style, charm, or the ability to attract someone romantically or sexually. It’s a shorter form of “charisma” and came from internet and gaming culture. YouTuber and Twitch streamer Kai Cenat helped make it popular through his “rizz tips” videos. It really took off after actor Tom Holland said he had “no rizz.”

Oxford’s Evolving Selection Process and Other Notable Contenders

Oxford chooses its Word of the Year based on how much a word is used, looking at over 22 billion words from news sources. They want a word that shows what’s going on in the world and might stay important for a long time. Before, Oxford’s lexicographers picked the word themselves, but now they let the public help decide by voting. Last year, people voted for “Goblin mode.”

This year, about 30,000 people voted in pairings like “Swiftie” vs. “de-influencing” and “rizz” vs. “beige flag.” Finally, the choice came down to “Swiftie” and “rizz.” The word “rizz” is unique because it’s shortened from the middle of a word, which is less common. It’s also used as a verb, like “to rizz it up,” which could mean it’ll stay popular.

Societal Impact and Future Prospects

The selection of “rizz” signifies more than just a popular word; it reflects broader societal shifts and the rapid evolution of language in the digital age. Words like “prompt,” associated with A.I., demonstrate how specialized terms can enter mainstream conversation, a trend intensified by the emergence of technologies like ChatGPT, an A.I. program, was released in late 2022. This evolving landscape suggests that artificial intelligence might play a more significant role in future linguistic developments, including the selection of Words of the Year.

“Swiftie,” meaning a fan of Taylor Swift, is interesting too. It shows how fan languages, called “fanalects,” can become widely known. Before, these languages stayed in small fan groups, but now they spread faster. “Swiftie” could become a word for a certain type of person or lifestyle, like “Deadhead” for Grateful Dead fans.

In summary, Oxford’s Word of the Year, “rizz,” shows how internet culture and language change fast, especially with social media’s influence. It’s a fun, catchy word that has grown from a niche internet term to something more mainstream. The process of choosing the Word of the Year has also evolved, involving public participation and reflecting current trends and societal changes.

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