Rizz Meaning Unveiled: A Guide for Parents of Young Teens

It’s easy to get lost in the ever-changing vocabulary of modern teenagers. Rizz is another example of a word that teenagers have popularized in recent years much to the dismay of parents everywhere. However, don’t fret, we got you covered!

Here we’ll take a closer look at not only what this word means, but also the context it’s used so you have a better understanding of whether or not you should be concerned. By the end, you’ll know all there is to know about the world rizz! Let’s get started.

Understanding “Rizz” Slang: What Does it Mean?

The term is used to describe someone who is flirty and charming when pursuing a romantic interest. Rizz is the millennial equivalent of having a ‘game’ or ‘spitting game’. You can draw people in by charming or seducing someone.

Now, rizz has nothing to do with being attractive and is exclusively used to describe how easily you can get the attention of someone that you like.

The term gained its peak popularity midway through 2022 and has been inescapable since then. Many people blame the term’s popularity on TikTok where various trends were created around the word.

Interestingly, the hashtag ‘rizz’ has over a whopping 6 billion views on TikTok. It’s a clear sign that the popularity of this term isn’t going away any time soon. This makes it even more important that parents understand exactly how it is used.

Where Did “Rizz” Slang Come From?

Rizz is slang for ‘charisma’ as it comes from the middle of the world i.e., Car-RIZZ-ma. It was initially shortened to ‘rizzma’ and then to ‘rizz’ in Southern Baltimore.

The term started to gain popularity in 2021 when Kai Cenat, a YouTuber, and Twitch Streamer, began using it as a joke with his friends.

However, the term ‘rizz’ has a long history that predates its popular social media debut. Rizz was first used in the 1960s in African-American communities. It subsequently became more popular in the 1980s and 1990s due to the rise of the popular music genre Hip Hop.

The term rizz is still widely used in these communities, albeit with a different meaning than what we see on social media platforms.

The Many Facets of “Rizz”: Exploring its Versatile Interpretations

Now you may have ‘rizz’ which means you have an alluring personality, or you may ‘rizz’ someone which means that you charm someone that you are interested in. Rizz may also be used to describe the chemistry between two people.

Let’s take a look at some examples:

1. Joshua has rizz with the ladies.
2. Joshua tried to rizz Deborah, but it did not go well.
3. Joshua and Deborah have an unspoken rizz between them.

Beyond the Slang: Grasping the Cultural Implications of “Rizz”

The term ‘rizz’ also falls under African American Vernacular English (AAVE). AAVE is historically referred to as Ebonics. It is a dialect used exclusively by African Americans. Interestingly, in this context, ‘rizz’ means ‘respect’ and is used to greet someone.

It also can be used to express respect or recognition and is often accompanied by a head nod. In AAVE, the term carries ‘rizz’ is also used to greet older people or people in positions of authority.

Therefore, there is a level of respect associated with the term. The term may also be used to acknowledge someone’s achievements or talents.

Digital Language Landscape: “Rizz” in Modern Teen Communication

Now the term ‘rizz’ used by teenagers does not carry the long, storied history we just described. Instead, it is solely used in the context of romantic pursuits. It has a more playful connotation and is often used in light-hearted or funny conversations.

As a parent, it’s important to know that the term often isn’t used seriously. Due to this, there is usually nothing to worry about. While that’s true, it’s always wise to look at the context it was spoken before addressing it.

The Appeal of “Rizz” Slang: Why It Resonates with Young Teens

The term resonates with teenagers because it helps them connect with their peers. There is nothing cooler than knowing the latest trends in pop culture. Like most slang, it facilitates easy communication and adds a level of informality to conversations.

Parental Concerns: Addressing Questions and Potential Issues

Still, wondering exactly where this term is used and whether you should worry or not? If so, let’s answer some common questions.

When should teens use the term?

Unlike most slang terms, it is fairly safe for your teen to use ‘rizz’. As mentioned, it’s very closely related to how adults use charisma. So you may see messages such as “he tried to use his rizz, but I wasn’t interested”.

When is it inappropriate to use the term?

It’s appropriate to use the term in casual conversations in place of the word charisma. However, with it not being a proper word, teens should be aware that they shouldn’t use the term when more formal English is required, such as with schoolwork.

How can we minimize the misuse of phrases/terms on social media?

It’s important to research new words that you may come across before using them. Understanding the origin of a term will prevent you from using it offensively or incorrectly. Remember that these words have been adapted from language and are often more than just a social media trend.

Promoting Safe Communication with Family Orbit

Family Orbit is a great app for tech-savvy parents who would like to monitor their children’s online activities. The app includes location tracking, web filtering, and social media monitoring. This is especially important in the digital age where children are often exposed to explicit or unsafe content.

The app will also help you better understand what your children are interested in and what is deemed the ‘cool’ way to communicate. While Rizz is mostly used playfully, you can never be sure who is talking to your kids and using this term. Using tools such as Family Orbit is a great way to keep them safe.

Conclusion: Embracing Language Evolution for Stronger Bonds

It is always fascinating to learn about how languages evolve through time. Many slang terms from the 1900s have made a comeback by teenagers breathing new life into them. As parents, you must learn these popular terms to connect better with your teens.

Once you do, you can better communicate with them about online safety and ensure they aren’t speaking to the wrong people. And for those parents who want to keep a watchful eye on their kids, a tool such as Family Orbit can be very useful.