What Does Rizz Mean?

Rizz means romantic appeal or charm. It describes someone's ability to attract others through conversation, messaging, or presence. The word functions as both a noun ("he has rizz") and a verb in the phrase "rizz up," which means to charm or attract someone romantically.

Origin and Etymology

The term comes from clipping the word "charisma." Twitch streamers, particularly Kai Cenat, along with collaborators Silky and Duke Dennis, started using it in 2022. The word spread from Twitch streaming communities to TikTok in 2023, where it gained widespread use through viral videos and challenges.

Oxford University Press selected "rizz" as its Word of the Year for 2023. Merriam-Webster added it to its dictionary in 2024, defining it as "romantic appeal or charm."

How to Use Rizz

As a Noun

When used as a noun, rizz refers to someone's flirting ability or romantic charm. People say things like "She has rizz" or "His rizz is unmatched." The term applies to how someone presents themselves in dating contexts, from dating app profiles to face-to-face conversations.

As a Verb

The phrase "rizz up" works as a verb. It means to attract or charm someone. You might hear "He tried to rizz her up in the DMs" or "She rizzed him up with that opening line."

Types of Rizz

W Rizz vs. L Rizz

W rizz means effective or successful romantic charm. Someone with W rizz sends personalized messages, shows genuine interest, and respects boundaries. They read profiles carefully and reference specific details in their opening messages.

L rizz refers to poor or ineffective attempts at flirting. This includes using generic pickup lines, sending copy-paste messages, or negging. Messages like "hey" with no follow-up qualify as L rizz.

Unspoken Rizz

Unspoken rizz describes nonverbal charm. This includes eye contact, relaxed posture, active listening, and confident body language. Someone with unspoken rizz attracts others without relying heavily on words.

Platform Usage

Dating Apps

On Hinge, Tinder, and Bumble, rizz shows up in profile prompts and opening messages. Users demonstrate rizz through witty responses to prompts, callbacks to profile details, and playful conversation starters. Good rizz on dating apps means crafting messages that show you read someone's profile and found something genuinely interesting.

TikTok and Social Media

TikTok hosts "rizz challenges" where users share their best opening lines or demonstrate flirting techniques. The platform popularized phrases like "rizzler" for someone with strong rizz and "rizz god" for someone exceptionally charming.

Text and DMs

In direct messages, rizz appears through conversation flow, humor timing, and message personalization. People with text-based rizz know when to ask questions, how to keep conversations engaging, and when to suggest meeting in person.

Common Mistakes

Confusing Rizz with Physical Appearance

Rizz refers to charm and communication skills, not looks. Someone can have strong rizz regardless of conventional attractiveness. The term specifically relates to how someone connects with others through words, actions, and presence.

Using Manipulation Tactics

Boundary-pushing, negging, and coercive behavior aren't rizz. These tactics violate consent and respect. Real rizz involves making others feel comfortable and valued, not pressured or diminished.

Overusing Scripted Lines

Memorized pickup lines and copy-paste messages typically register as L rizz. Authentic rizz comes from genuine conversation and personalized interaction. People recognize canned responses quickly, especially on dating apps where users see the same lines repeatedly.

Related Terms

Rizzler: Someone known for having exceptional rizz. This person consistently attracts others through their charm and conversation skills.

Game: An older term with a similar meaning to rizz. Having game means possessing flirting skills and romantic confidence.

Charisma: The root word from which rizz derives. While charisma applies to general appeal, rizz specifically refers to romantic contexts.

Practical Examples

Dating App Openers

·       W rizz: "Your photo from Machu Picchu looks incredible. How long did the Inca Trail take?"

·       L rizz: "Hey, beautiful."

Profile Prompts

·       W rizz: Specific, humorous answers that invite conversation

·       L rizz: Generic responses like "I love to laugh"

In-Person Interaction

·       W rizz: Asking engaging questions, maintaining eye contact, showing genuine interest

·       L rizz: Interrupting, monopolizing conversation, ignoring social cues

Age and Gender Considerations

Rizz applies across all genders and sexual orientations. Anyone can have rizz, and anyone can appreciate it in others. The term primarily circulates among Gen Z users, though millennials and other age groups also use it.

Older users or brands attempting to use rizz in marketing often come across as forced or cringe. The term works best in casual, authentic contexts rather than formal or commercial settings.

Pronunciation and Variations

The word is pronounced as /rɪz/, rhyming with "fizz." Common variations include: - Rizzing: actively using rizz - Rizzed up: successfully charmed someone - Rizzy: adjective form, though less common

Current Status in 2025

Rizz remains widely used in dating contexts. The term appears regularly in dating app conversations, social media posts, and casual conversations about romance. While some worry about overuse making it cringe, the word maintains currency among its primary user base.

The concept behind rizz predates the term itself. People have always valued charm and flirting ability in romantic contexts. The word simply provides new language for discussing these timeless dating dynamics.