Hello, word enthusiasts and charm aficionados! Strap in because Oxford’s Word of the Year for 2023 is here — and it’s a bit of a cracker:

“Rizz”.

Yes, you read that correctly; it’s not a misprint or jargon from a tech manual, but “rizz”.

Let’s delve into it, shall we?

“Rizz”, springing from “charisma”, is all about that magnetic allure some chaps and chapettes have. It’s the sort of charm that makes potential romantic interests swoon with just a flash of a grin.

But hang on, there’s more to it!

“Rizz” isn’t just a noun; it’s also a verb. To “rizz up” someone is essentially to switch on the charm full blast. It’s the linguistic version of a cheeky wink.

The rise of “rizz” to the top was a competitive affair. It outshone words such as “prompt” (AI’s beloved command), “situationship” (when things are a tad complex) and “Swiftie” (a nod to ardent Taylor Swift fans!).

Last year, the buzz was all about “goblin mode” — unapologetically self-indulgent, lazy, slovenly or greedy and proud of it. But in 2023, it’s all about the rizz.

To the unenlightened, “rizz” might seem like just another fleeting internet trend. But it’s deeper than that. It’s an acknowledgement of the allure of attraction, the art of seduction that hinges less on looks and more on, well, rizz. It’s about that person who enters a room and, suddenly, every head turns. That, my friends, is rizz.

Originating from Twitch and YouTube, thanks to creator Kai Cenat, “rizz” has been weaving itself into our everyday speech. So, do you possess rizz? Is it feasible to have an overabundance of it? Picture entering a room and accidentally making everyone smitten. That’s an episode of a sitcom in the making!

Jokes aside, rizz mirrors our longing for connections, for that spark that adds a dash of excitement to life. It’s about charisma, the allure of personality, and how it can overshadow any physical trait.

“Rizz” is not just a word; it’s a movement. It’s about discovering that enchantment in ourselves and others, the kind that makes life just a tad more magical. Whether you’re an adept rizz-master or merely rizz-curious, let’s welcome this quirky, endearing entrant to our vocabulary. Who knows? Maybe the next time you beam a smile, you’ll be “rizzing” someone's day!

• Christian Chin-Gurret is a Bermudian writer with a Master of Science in Innovation and Entrepreneurship and a Bachelor of Science in Product Design, who offers a unique perspective on shaping the future of business through innovation, disruption and technology. He can be reached at https://www.linkedin.com/in/christianchingurret/