In a digital era dominated by the influence of Generation Z, the lexicon of language evolves swiftly.
Oxford University Press recently crowned 'Rizz' as the Word of the Year, encapsulating the essence of modern charm and romantic allure.
Garnering over 30,000 votes, this term surged to prominence, embodying the ethos of 2023.
But what exactly is 'Rizz', and why has it captured the fascination of the younger populace?
Defined as style, charm, or attractiveness with an innate ability to entice potential romantic or sexual partners, 'Rizz' derives its roots from the word 'charisma'.
It has rapidly permeated online spaces, especially thriving on platforms like TikTok with billions of hashtag views, embraced predominantly by the younger demographic.
Attributed to content creators like YouTuber and Twitch streamer Kai Cenat, 'Rizz' became a verbal currency among friends, signifying the art of attraction.
Its usage soared throughout the year, even catching the attention of celebrities like actor Tom Holland, who humorously denied possessing any 'Rizz' during a Buzzfeed interview, attributing his success in winning over his girlfriend Zendaya to patience rather than charm.
Oxford's Word of the Year isn't just a token recognition; it encapsulates societal shifts.
President of Oxford Languages, Casper Grathwohl, noted the stark contrast between the previous year's 'goblin mode', embodying self-indulgent behaviour, and the emergence of 'Rizz'.
He suggested that the rise of 'Rizz' signified a collective opening up and newfound confidence after challenging times, highlighting the evolving nature of language and its incorporation of internet-derived phrases into everyday communication.
The selection process for the Word of the Year involved a public vote that narrowed down a shortlist, including words like 'Swiftie', 'Situationship', 'Beige flag', and 'Prompt', reflecting diverse facets of contemporary culture and societal nuances.
As language continues its dynamic evolution, with 'Artificial Intelligence' being Collins Dictionary's Word of 2023, the recognition of 'Rizz' signifies a linguistic milestone.
It underscores the profound impact of internet culture on our lexicon, emphasizing how words born from online spheres seamlessly integrate into our daily conversations, shaping the narrative of our times.
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