rizz
noun

- style, charm, or attractiveness; the ability to attract a romantic or sexual partner

- the ability to attract people's attention and make them like you, often in a romantic way

Oxford English Dictionary, Cambridge Dictionary

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WORD ORIGIN

The word "rizz" is a very recent term that emerged around 2022, primarily through social media, especially TikTok. Here's its etymology:

It's generally accepted that "rizz" is derived from the word "charisma", specifically being a shortened version of the middle part of the word:

chaRISma → rizz

The term was popularized by Twitch streamer Kai Cenat, who used it extensively in his content. In fact, he's often credited with inventing or at least mainstreaming the term. By late 2022 and throughout 2023, it had become widespread on the internet, particularly among younger users.

The term gained such cultural significance that "rizz" was named Oxford's Word of the Year for 2023.

The word has also spawned related terms like:
- "rizz up" (to successfully charm someone)
- "unspoken rizz" (the ability to attract someone without saying anything)

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MAGNETIC PERSONALITIES

Cleopatra (69-30 BCE)
- Captivated both Julius Caesar and Mark Antony
- Used intellectual charm - spoke 7+ languages
- Plutarch noted it wasn't her beauty but her wit and conversation that were irresistible
- Masterfully combined political and personal charisma

Casanova (1725-1798)
- So famous for his seductive abilities that his name became synonymous with "ladies' man"
- Used his wit, intelligence, and storytelling abilities rather than conventional good looks
- Wrote detailed memoirs of his romantic conquests
- Spoke multiple languages and used his worldliness to charm

Lord Byron (1788-1824)
- Poet whose reputation for romance matched his literary fame
- Known for intense passionate affairs with both men and women
- His brooding personality and poetic talents created what became known as the "Byronic hero" archetype
- Famous for saying "She walks in beauty like the night"

Oscar Wilde (1854-1900)
- Famous for his wit and conversational abilities
- Could charm any social gathering with his clever remarks
- Known for saying "I can resist everything except temptation"
- His charisma survived even through his social downfall

John F. Kennedy (1917-1963)
- Famous for his charisma and charm
- Combined political power with personal magnetism
- His smile and speaking style became legendary
- Known for making everyone feel like the most important person in the room

James Dean (1931-1955)
- Defined the "rebel" archetype that influenced generations
- Created a new type of romantic appeal through brooding intensity
- His style and attitude are still copied today
- Proved you could have rizz while barely saying a word

What's particularly interesting is how each of these figures had their own unique style of rizz - some were witty conversationalists, others were brooding and mysterious, while others combined political power with personal magnetism.

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SYNONYMS

allure, appeal, attraction, charm, charisma, dazzle, debonairness, enchantment, finesse, flair, gallantry, grace, magnetism, mojo, mystique, poise, prowess, refinement, RIZZ, seduction, slickness, sophistication, sparkle, style, suaveness, wit

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SMUGGLE OWAD into a conversation today, say something like:

“Some people can turn any awkward moment into something charming,... it’s a special kind of RIZZ combining confidence and kindness.”

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