rizz

Where does the word "rizz" come from? It comes from Greek kharisma, passing through English before entering English (2020s).

Rizz’s story begins in Greek: kharisma meant “gift of grace.” A divine gift or favour, from 'kharis', grace. By 1930s, the word had taken hold in English as charisma. The sociologist Max Weber's sense of magnetic personal authority reached English through translations. It reached English by 2020s as rizz. Clipped from the middle of 'charisma'; popularized by the streamer Kai Cenat and named Oxford's Word of the Year for 2023. Today, rizz means charm, especially in attracting a romantic partner.

1. Stage 1 · Greek · ancient kharisma "gift of grace", a divine gift or favour, from 'kharis', grace.
2. Stage 2 · English · 1930s charisma "personal magnetism", the sociologist Max Weber's sense of magnetic personal authority reached English through translations.
3. Stage 3 · American English · 2020s rizz "romantic charm", clipped from the middle of 'charisma'; popularized by the streamer Kai Cenat and named Oxford's Word of the Year for 2023.