Rizz is one of the defining slang words of the 2020s, entering mainstream vocabulary from Black American internet and streaming culture.
Definition
Rizz (noun/verb): the natural ability to attract others through charm, wit, confidence, and conversational ease — without visibly trying. Someone with rizz makes flirting look effortless. To 'rizz someone up' means to charm or attract them through conversation.
Origin
The word is believed to come from 'charisma,' specifically the middle syllable — cha-rizz-ma. It was popularized by Twitch streamer Kai Cenat and other Black American content creators around 2021–2022 before going mainstream across TikTok and social media in 2023. It was shortlisted for Oxford Word of the Year 2023.
How It's Used
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| He has rizz | He's naturally charming and attractive to others |
| She rizzed him up | She charmed or attracted him through conversation |
| W rizz / L rizz | Great charisma / no charisma (W = win, L = loss) |
| Unspoken rizz | Attracting people through looks and presence alone, without speaking |
| No rizz | Completely lacking social charm |