Rizz means charisma, charm, or the ability to attract a romantic or sexual partner — Oxford’s own definition when it named “rizz” the 2023 Word of the Year, beating out “situationship” and “Swiftie.” It’s a shortened form of “charisma,” popularized by Twitch streamer Kai Cenat, and can also be used as a verb — “to rizz someone up” means to successfully flirt with or seduce them.
Where “Rizz” Came From
Twitch streamer Kai Cenat is widely credited with popularizing the word. In interviews, including one with Complex, Cenat explained the term originated within his own friend group before spreading across livestreams and social media. Interestingly, he described “rizz” as meaning something closer to “game” (as in, skill or approach) rather than Oxford’s more formal “charisma” definition — a good example of how internet slang shifts meaning as different communities adopt it.
Rizz: Oxford Word of the Year 2023
Oxford University Press named “rizz” its Word of the Year for 2023, defining it as a noun meaning “style, charm, or attractiveness; the ability to attract a romantic or sexual partner.” It beat several other finalists that year, including “situationship” and “Swiftie” (a Taylor Swift fan).
| Term | 2023 Oxford Word of the Year Result |
|---|---|
| Rizz | Winner |
| Situationship | Finalist |
| Swiftie | Finalist |
| Prompt (AI-related) | Finalist |
How to Use “Rizz” Correctly
- As a noun: “He’s got so much rizz.” / “I have zero rizz in person.”
- As a verb (“rizz up”): “He rizzed her up at the party.” / “Trying to rizz up my crush over text.”
- Common variant — “unspoken rizz”: charisma that’s obvious without a word being said, often used ironically about someone visibly awkward.
Rizz vs. Being a Simp
Rizz and simping are almost opposites in internet slang logic. Rizz implies confident, effective charm that works. Simping implies excessive effort or devotion that isn’t being reciprocated — see our breakdown of simp vs. chad for the fuller contrast. Someone described as having “no rizz” is often, by internet logic, at risk of becoming a simp instead — over-trying because natural charm isn’t landing.
Is Rizz Still Relevant?
Slang terms cycle quickly, but “rizz” has had unusual staying power for internet vocabulary — its Oxford recognition and continued daily use across TikTok, gaming, and everyday teen conversation into 2026 suggest it’s moved from fleeting trend to a more settled piece of modern slang, similar to how “simp” itself outlasted many of its contemporaries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does rizz mean?
Rizz means charisma, charm, or the ability to attract a romantic partner. Oxford University Press defined it this way when naming it the 2023 Word of the Year.
Who invented the word rizz?
Twitch streamer Kai Cenat is widely credited with popularizing the term within his friend group before it spread across social media and livestreaming culture.
What does "rizz someone up" mean?
It’s a verb form meaning to successfully flirt with, charm, or seduce someone — for example, “he rizzed her up at the party.”
Did rizz win Oxford Word of the Year?
Yes, in 2023, beating other finalists including “situationship” and “Swiftie.”
Is rizz the opposite of simping?
In internet slang logic, largely yes — rizz implies effective, confident charm, while simping implies excessive, often unreciprocated effort or devotion.
