Lord, help us. Another Gen Z term has run amok, and we old folks have to figure out what it means if we have it or need it and how it can help you on dating apps and in your romantic pursuits. The term is “Rizz.”
If you’ve ever been on TikTok, you have probably stumbled upon the chatter around “Rizz.” Do we have it? No idea. Do we need it? Probably! Will it help us out when it comes to dating? Let’s find out!
What Does “Rizz” Mean?
The word “rizz” refers to the ability to charm or seduce a possible romantic partner. It usually refers to males trying to woo women; however, the scenario isn’t restricted to that. Women can have “rizz” too.
It’s largely replaced the term “game,” especially among younger generations, as in “he or she’s got game” when chatting up someone you want to date or hook up with.
Example: “Danny isn’t the hottest guy, but he’s got some major rizz if you ask me.”
A similar notion, “unspoken rizz,” defines a person’s ability to impress others using nonverbal cues like demeanor and eye contact rather than words–in other words, just existing. It’s also common to see the verb form “rizz up,” which means to attract someone with your charisma.
Example: I’m gonna “rizz up” Jessica–does she have a BF?”
Where Did the Term ‘Rizz’ Come From?
Streamer Kai Cenat popularized the phrase on Twitch. It didn’t become well known until 2021, although according to Kai, it has a lengthy history. Cenat explained the origins of the word “rizz” to Adam22 on No Jumper, saying that he and his pals coined the phrase while they were in their teens in The Bronx.
It was basically an inside joke amongst a group of dudes until the term “rizz” spread like wildfire once Kai began using it in his Twitch broadcasts. It quickly evolved into users spamming it in social media comments. People on TikTok shared their own rizz guides.
According to Google Trends, the number of searches for “rizz” hit a record high in April of 2023–over 13 billion people have watched a TikTok video with the tag “rizz,” and an entire chunk of an episode of Up & Adams was devoted to debating NBA reporter Shams Charania’s status as a “Rizz God.”
Kai even hosted an extensive Rizz Academy on Twitch, during which he dressed in a suit and offered advice to men who lacked the “rizz.” But he has a bone to pick with the members of Gen Z who have adopted and commercialized his term.
“TikTok butchered that word,” Kai said on No Jumper. “They f****** killed it.”
Kai mainly meant the derivative phrase “unspoken rizz,” which describes a man who is so physically attractive that he doesn’t need to talk his way into a relationship–all he has to do is show up and look hot.
“That’s not really rizz,” Kai stated, emphasizing the significance of wordplay and body language in “rizz.”
Who Says ‘Rizz?’
Younger individuals, especially those who frequent social networking sites and video-sharing apps like TikTok and YouTube, frequently use the word “rizz.” Although a noun in most contexts, it is occasionally employed as a verb.
Do You Have It?’
We have to go right to the source to see whether or not you have “rizz.” The following is how Kai Cent defines it:
“Rizz is when you’re talking to a girl, and at first, sh*t is not going your way. It’s looking bad for you, until you spit game and you’re ‘rizzing’ them up to where shit starts to go your way…You’re so slick with your words and what you’re saying, to where the girl is like, ‘OK, yeah, who is this?!’ After sh*t goes your way, you’re like, ‘Yeah, I rizzed her up. I’ve got mad rizz.’”
To put it another way, “rizz” revolves around proving yourself worthy of someone’s love, even if you have low expectations.
How Can You Get ‘Rizz?’
The Eye Contact Game
Lock eyes, but don’t make it creepy. You’re going for a smolder, not a stare-down or an “I want to wear your skin” vibe. Imagine you’re a rom-com character in a real-life meet cute.
Mystery is Your BFF
Don’t spill all your beans in one go. Keep some things about you a mystery so your potential partner has to dig a little deeper.
Be Unpredictable
Surprise them! Maybe you’re a bookish introvert today, but tomorrow you’re on top of the bar doing Yaeger shots–keep them on their toes.
Textual Chemistry
Believe it or not, texting is an art form. Be engaging but not too engaging–don’t triple-text. The ideal ratio is one laughing emoji for every three substantive texts. Scientifically proven, of course (disclaimer: this is not scientifically proven).
Timing is Everything
There comes a time in every relationship when the chemistry is palpable, and you have to decide whether to take a leap of faith or remain stuck in friend zone purgatory forever–make a move. Not aggressively! You know what we mean.
Use Your Sense of Humor
Using humor is a good way to get positive attention or ease awkward tension. Having fun and not taking yourself too seriously gives off the impression that you are having a good time and people will feel more at ease around you.
Be Open
Are you vibing with the object of your affection? Then compliment them! This is a non-threatening approach to showing interest–you don’t want to come on too strong, ya know?
Takeaways
The benefits of your “rizz” go well beyond simply increasing your chances of getting digits or going on a date with someone you’re into–if you’ve got the “rizz,” you can obviously build real connections with others and keep their attention for longer. You’ll go into every situation, from your workplace to a Starbucks to your favorite dating app (after all, that is what we’re all about here), with a bit more confidence in yourself.
Even while it’s a boon to have “rizz,” it’s even more important to have “rizz” that reflects who you are–attempting to come off as someone you’re not will only backfire in the end. You can’t fake “rizz,” so don’t even try it; just be yourself.
