If you’ve heard your middle schooler mutter "W Rizz" under their breath while looking at their phone, or if your fourth grader told you the dog has "unspoken rizz," you aren't alone. In late 2023, Oxford University Press officially named "rizz" their Word of the Year.

The etymology is surprisingly simple: it’s the middle syllable of charisma. Cha-rizz-ma.

It was popularized by Kai Cenat, a massive streamer on Twitch who used it to describe his ability to talk to women. Since then, the internet has done what it does best—it took a specific term and stretched it until it applied to literally everything.

Now, "rizz" isn't just about romantic attraction. It’s a vibe. It’s confidence. It’s a way to say someone is "him" (another slang term for being the best/the main character).

Ask our chatbot for a full list of current Gen Alpha slang

Kids love "rizz" because it’s short, punchy, and acts as a social gatekeeper. Using the word correctly signals that you are "in" on the current cultural moment.

It’s also part of a larger linguistic ecosystem that parents often call "brain rot." This includes terms like "Ohio" (meaning weird or cringey), "Sigma" (meaning a lone-wolf leader, though often used ironically), and the infamous Skibidi Toilet.

For a 10-year-old, saying "rizz" is just a way to participate in the humor they see on Roblox or Fortnite. It feels like a secret language, even though it’s now literally in the dictionary.

While "rizz" itself is a fairly standard evolution of language, the way kids consume it is usually through high-speed, short-form video. If your kid is obsessed with rizz, they are likely watching:

Learn more about the "Skibidi Toilet" phenomenon

If you want to steer your kids toward content that features actual character development and "charisma" without the 3-second attention span of TikTok, here are some Screenwise-approved picks.

Miles Morales is the definition of "rizz." He’s charming, he’s struggling with his identity, and he has a distinct sense of style. This movie is a visual masterpiece that matches the energy of modern digital culture without being "trash" content.

If you want to talk about "charisma" and how it affects people, this show is a stealthy way to teach ethics. Chidi and Eleanor have plenty of "rizz" (and lack thereof), and it’s a great show to watch together.

Zagreus, the protagonist, is incredibly charismatic. The game is stylish, the dialogue is sharp, and it’s a much better use of a teen's time than scrolling through endless "rizz" memes. It’s challenging but rewarding.

Roz the robot has a different kind of "rizz"—the ability to adapt and lead a community through kindness and competence. It’s a great counter-narrative to the "alpha/sigma" posturing often found in "rizz" culture.

Even Bandit has rizz. The way he engages with his kids and charms the neighborhood is a masterclass in positive social influence.

Check out our guide on positive male role models in media

Is "rizz" appropriate for your kid? Generally, yes. But the context matters based on their age.

At this age, "rizz" is just a funny word they heard on the playground or on YouTube. They probably don't even know it has romantic connotations. They use it to mean "cool." The Risk: It’s a gateway to more mature content creators who use the word in the context of "hookup culture."

This is the peak "rizz" zone. It’s used to describe crushes and social standing. The Risk: Middle schoolers can use "rizz" as a way to rank each other. "L Rizz" can be a form of light bullying or social exclusion. It’s also where the "Sigma" and "Alpha" male toxicity can start to creep in, often via Instagram or TikTok algorithms.

By high school, the word is starting to become "cringe" because the younger kids have co-opted it. High schoolers use it more ironically. The Risk: In high school, "rizz" is more directly tied to dating and sexual pressure.

Ask our chatbot about the "Sigma Male" pipeline

While the word itself is fine, it can be a "smoke and fire" situation. If your kid is constantly talking about "rizz," you should look at where they are hanging out online.

Read our guide on how to do a family digital detox

Don't try to use the word "rizz" to be cool. You will fail, and your child will never recover from the embarrassment. Instead, use it as an opening to talk about social dynamics.

Try saying:

By asking questions rather than lecturing, you’re showing that you’re culturally fluent but still the "intentional parent" in the room.

"Rizz" is a harmless evolution of "charisma," but it’s a symptom of a very fast-paced, meme-heavy digital diet. If your kid is using the word, they aren't "bad"—they're just participating in the current language of the internet.

The goal isn't to ban the word; it’s to ensure the content they’re consuming to learn that language is high-quality and aligned with your family values. Swap the "brain rot" for some high-quality media that shows what real charisma looks like.