'Rizz' named Oxford University Press 2023 word of year, but what does the Gen Z term mean?

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Terms made popular by Generation Z filled the finals list for Oxford's word of the year, with "rizz" coming out on top. 

Rizz, as defined by Oxford's Dictionary, is "style, charm, or attractiveness; the ability to attract a romantic or sexual partner." 

"Swiftie," a term given to an avid fan of Taylor Swift, was another contender for word of the year. 

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"Situationship" was yet another on the list — a word defining a confusing connection that is more than a friendly one but not an official, formal relationship. 

Rizz, a word often claimed to be pulled from the word "charisma," started to gain popularity in 2022, mostly credited to YouTube and Twitch streamer Kai Cenat's frequent use of the word.

Oxford's 2023 word of the year is "rizz." (AP Photo/Caleb Jones, File)

Rizz picked up more traction in June 2023, when "Spider-Man" actor Tom Holland used the word in an interview with BuzzFeed. 

"I have no rizz whatsoever. I have limited rizz," he said in the interview.

The word of the year is chosen in collaboration with Oxford language experts and public voting. 

Tom Holland used the word "rizz" in an interview, stating that he didn't have any of it.  (Cindy Ord/WireImage)

There were eight words released for public voting, "all chosen to reflect the mood, ethos, or preoccupations of the year," Oxford University Press said in a release. 

Based on public votes, the list was whittled down to four, with a head-to-head competition between battling words. 

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"Swiftie" conquered "de-influencing," "rizz" beat "beige flag," "prompt" won over "heat dome" and "situationship" defeated "parasocial." 

From there, expert analysis, combined with public commentary on the four finalists, determined the 2023 word of the year. 

The first time the word of the year was put up for public voting was in 2022, when almost 400,000 cast their votes, according to Oxford University Press. 

Taylor Swift's passionate fan base are known as Swifties. (John Shearer/TAS23/Getty Images for TAS Rights Management)

Other 2023 words of the year are "authentic," chosen by Merriam-Webster, and "artificial intelligence," picked by Collins Dictionary. 

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Rizz follows Oxford's 2022 word of the year, "goblin mode," meaning "a type of behavior which is unapologetically self-indulgent, lazy, slovenly, or greedy, typically in a way that rejects social norms or expectations." 

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