Oxford chooses 'rizz' as its word of the year - RTHK
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Oxford chooses 'rizz' as its word of the year

2023-12-04 HKT 16:10
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  • Oxford University Press has named 'rizz' as its word of the year. Image: RTHK
    Oxford University Press has named 'rizz' as its word of the year. Image: RTHK
  • The university press says it believes more words derived from social media and internet culture will be adopted in everyday language over time. File photo: AFP
    The university press says it believes more words derived from social media and internet culture will be adopted in everyday language over time. File photo: AFP
Oxford University Press (OUP), the publisher of the Oxford English Dictionary, has named “rizz” the word of the year for 2023.

Rizz is defined as style, charm or attractiveness, or one’s ability to attract a romantic or sexual partner. It’s often associated with younger generations and has been widely used on social media.

The term is also thought to be derived from the word "charisma".

“Rizz was chosen by the language experts at OUP as an interesting example of how language can be formed, shaped, and shared within communities, before being picked up more widely,” Oxford University Press said in a press release.

“It speaks to how younger generations create spaces – online or in person – where they own and define the language they use.”

The university press said it believes more words derived from social media and internet culture will be adopted in everyday language over time, as they spread quickly and gain popularity.

Other contenders this year included the words 'beige flag', 'swiftie', 'prompt' and 'situationship'.

Oxford chooses 'rizz' as its word of the year