If you were looking for love in 2023, you probably needed some rizz. That’s the word that Oxford University Press (OUP) chose as the word of the year for 2023, beating out other contenders such as “AI”, “de-influencing”, and “nepo baby”. Rizz, derived from the word “charisma”, refers to a person’s ability to attract a romantic partner through “style, charm or attractiveness”, according to OUP. The word received more than 32,000 votes from the public, OUP added.
But what makes someone rizz? And why did this word become so popular in 2023? According to OUP, rizz is not just about physical appearance, but also about personality, confidence, and authenticity. Rizz is “the quality of being able to make others feel good about themselves, and to inspire them to want to spend time with you”, OUP explained. Rizz is also influenced by cultural and social factors, such as fashion, music, and media.
One of the reasons why rizz became the word of the year for 2023 was the rise of online dating and social media platforms, which increased the competition and pressure for finding and keeping a romantic partner. According to a survey by Statista, 49% of adults in the UK used online dating services or apps in 2023, up from 38% in 2020. Online dating also became more diverse and inclusive, with more options for different genders, sexualities, and preferences. However, online dating also posed some challenges, such as catfishing, ghosting, and scamming, which made people more cautious and selective about who they swiped right on.
Another reason why rizz became the word of the year for 2023 was the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, which changed the way people dated and interacted with each other. The pandemic forced people to stay at home and limit their social contacts, which reduced the opportunities for meeting new people and finding love. However, the pandemic also made people more appreciative and creative about the relationships they had, or wanted to have. People used video calls, virtual dates, and online games to stay connected and entertained with their partners, or potential partners. People also became more open and honest about their feelings, needs, and expectations, which enhanced the quality and depth of their relationships.
Rizz was not only a word that described a personal trait, but also a word that inspired a cultural movement. Rizz became a popular topic of conversation, a hashtag, a meme, and a song. Rizz also influenced the arts, entertainment, and fashion industries, which featured more rizz-themed products, shows, and events. For example, one of the best-selling books of 2023 was “The Rizz Factor”, a self-help guide by psychologist and author Dr. Helen Fisher, who claimed that rizz could be learned and improved by anyone. One of the most-watched TV shows of 2023 was “Rizz Me Up”, a reality show that transformed ordinary people into rizz icons. One of the most-attended concerts of 2023 was “Rizz Fest”, a music festival that celebrated the rizz of various artists and genres.
Rizz was the word that defined 2023, because it reflected the hopes, desires, and challenges that people faced in finding and keeping love in a changing and uncertain world. Rizz was also the word that celebrated the diversity, creativity, and resilience of people who dared to express themselves and pursue their happiness. Rizz was the word that captured the romance of 2023, because it showed that love was not only possible, but also powerful.
