Kate Phillips: Gen Z slang term ‘rizz’ maybe word of the year now but wait until I start using it

Got rizz? If you’re not sure, then chances are you don’t. Rizz is a term used to describe the level of someone’s charm and how good they are at using it. Kind of like mojo or game, back in my day. Geez, I’m old. The slang term went viral after Spiderman Tom Holland used it in an interview. But you probably wouldn’t know that unless you’re a Gen Z or like me, have a child who’s one. Rizz has also just been voted the Oxford Word of the Year for 2023. The criteria for the winning word is that it’s attracted lots of interest that year, reflects the year’s mood, and has potential to become a culturally significant word. Rizz beat out other Gen Z gold like Swiftie (a Taylor Swift fan), prompt (computer instruction), and situationship (an informal, convenient relationship). But my favourite contender was “beige flag”. Like “red flag”, but meaning the person is boring, rather than dangerous. While Gen Z slang is cringey (or “ick” as the kids say), at least it’s clever and funny. Imagine if they held the competition in the Nineties when I was a teen. I’m not sure “wicked” (awesome), “word” (I agree) or “not” (psych) would’ve cut the mustard. Although “word” winning word of the year would’ve been something. Luckily, I know how to make cringey slang words disappear. I just have to say them. Apparently as soon as a word becomes mainstream enough for your parents to use it, it’s done. Now I just have bring myself to say the word “rizz” out loud.