'Rizz' meaning as term becomes increasingly popular with the new generation

We've all come across the word 'rizz' by now, whether it be because we've used it or we've heard someone else say it.

The term has been made popular by the new generation, who are known for being chronically online, and it's frequently used to describe flirting capability or charm.

It's become important to have rizz, especially if you're dating, with celebrities even being quizzed about it in interviews.

As another word from internet jargon makes its way into our everyday vocabulary, here we've explained exactly what rizz is and how you can use it.

There's some new slang words being used via text (Getty Images)

What does 'Rizz' mean?

The word rizz has been defined as 'romantic appeal or charm' when a noun, or 'to charm and seduce' as a verb. This is the definition it was given when it was added to the Merriam-Webster dictionary in 2023.

In simple terms, rizz means someone's level of charm, but it doesn't necessarily mean someone is conventionally attractive. The word tends to be used more to describe a person's ability to work a room or their level of charisma.

Either way, take it as a compliment.

How to use the word

Using the word rizz is quite simple. It is usually used to describe someone who may 'have rizz' or not have it.

To use it in a phrase, you might say: "They've got rizz" or "He had no rizz, so I wasn't interested."

You may also use it to describe your own charm, i.e: "I've got no rizz."

Rizz may also be used as a verb, but this is less common. In this context, it would be used to indicate that someone has put in all of the work to make things work with you.

Regardless of how it is being used, rizz always refers to whether or not someone is charming.

Kai Cenat made the term popular (Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images)

Where did the term 'Rizz' originate?

The term has gained popularity via social media, but it is believed that streamer Kai Cenat is the original source of the word rizz.

Cenat is a YouTuber and Twitch streamer with over 20 million followers. He is known for his lengthy gaming streams and reaction videos to viral content. He also makes videos about his day-to-day life.

When he swapped YouTube for Twitch in 2021, his viewers noticed how often he'd use the word rizz.

“Me and my friends used to always say it and stuff like that. And I definitely [popularized] it on my stream," Cenat explained in an episode of 360 with Speedy Morman.

“And when I would say it on stream and stuff a lot, it started going crazy. Then it went crazy internationally, everybody say it now, it’s just in people’s vocabulary. And that’s what it is.”

The streamer has also explained the definition of the word. Speaking on the No Jumper podcast, Cenat said that when trying to get to know a girl, if things aren't working out, you'll turn on your rizz to try and get a chance with her.

“You’re so slick with your words and what you’re saying, to where the girl is like, ‘Okay, yeah, who is this?’" he added. “After s--- goes your way, you’re like, ‘Yeah, I rizzed her up. I’ve got mad rizz.'"