Generation Z has coined a number of terms, namely, “slay,” “bet,” “no cap” and most recently, “rizz.” Rizz, an abbreviation for “charisma,” is defined by one’s ability to attract a love interest by solely their charm or looks. However, how courteous is this term in actuality? 

Youtuber and Twitch streamer, Kai Cenat, first popularized the word, which later took the world by storm after it became widespread on TikTok. From its initial takeover on social media, the word broke down into three main categories: “good rizz,” “bad rizz” and “unspoken rizz.” 

Most of the time, cheesy pickup lines can drive one away from their goal of winning someone’s heart, but having what is deemed as “good” rizz may just be the solution. A form of spoken rizz, “good rizz,” is the most prominent form of rizz and encapsulates one’s natural charm by maintaining an easygoing conversation and skipping the small talk. Succeeding in making a simple compliment go far and having an effective way with words and actions means one has good rizz.

Having bad rizz eliminates one’s chances of immediately catching somebody else’s attention. Bad rizz lacks natural charm, encounters difficulty finding the right words and often feels awkward when put into an uncomfortable situation where words are the only way to attract someone they like. Imagine this: someone walks over and says: “Are you a parking ticket? Cause you have got fine written all over you,” well, that sums up bad rizz, or “L rizz,” as social media would say. With this type, the first impression blinds the other person from even considering the initiator’s true self and not giving them a second chance. Bad rizz shows a lot about both individuals; if one rejects another due to their lack of game, then maybe the “rizzler” ended up dodging a bullet.

Unspoken rizz is known as the ultimate form of rizz. This occurs when a person attracts another solely based upon their physical features rather than their personality. TikTok romanticized unspoken rizz with the start of a trend where one calls another over without words. Though this tends to be the most popular type of rizz, it is the most unrealistic if one wishes to be in a healthy, stable relationship.

Like other words merged into everyday language, rizz has become normal in most conversations among young generations. However, these vocalized or unsaid forms of communication can hold a degree of toxicity. “Rizzing someone up” just to present their abilities, and not from the heart is not a true display of one’s character. Rizz has become a form of bragging rights where guys tend to show off how many girls they “rizzed up” instead of taking the time to genuinely get to know and admire them.

A true side of the person being “rizzed” can come to light by how they respond to the types of teasing. If an individual were to give in after being gestured in a flirtatious manner, they may only see the other for who they are on the outside, and they might be deceived by someone with an incompatible personality to theirs.

Rizz may prove successful in the first interaction, but what happens when that fades? While one can be lured in by another’s features and charm, there is no say in what happens next. There is always the possibility that once one gets to know the other, they might not be right for each other. This stresses the importance of not getting drawn into liking someone without fully knowing what one is getting into. Rizz can be present in oneself, but that does not mean that it will be maintained once the person’s true self is revealed. 

Next time one sees a potential love interest, take the time to get to know them for who they really are. Having a new word to determine whether or not someone successfully flirts is harmful to the authenticity of a relationship. Having good rizz, bad rizz or unspoken rizz is the least of it; the most crucial factor is to have rizzpect.