Rizz! Oxford University Press has announced its 2023 Word Of The Year.
According to the Oxford Dictionary, rizz is a “colloquial noun, defined as “style, charm, or attractiveness…” It’s derived from the word charisma. The London-based publisher actually put it to a public vote among three additional finalists.
“It speaks to how younger generations create spaces — online or in person — where they own and define the language they use,” Oxford says.
But hold on. Merriam-Webster’s has also identified its 2023 WOTY. Authentic. It has a number of meanings, including “not false or imitation, a synonym of real and actual…” Merriam notes that authentic is already a “high-volume lookup” every year. However, the word saw a dramatic increase during 2023, “driven by stories and conversations about AI, celebrity culture, identity, and social media.”
These sorts of things are fun. And, they do give us insight. It got me thinking, “What’s my word of the year?”
As the principal of a content-driven business, I spend a lot of time discussing language. Ensuring that messaging meets the mission and goals of an organization is my focus, whether it be corporate, nonprofit, or government. I advise people to use their words. Concisely. Creatively. Consequentially.
After a deep dive into my own word choices, it became apparent. My WOTY is: really, “in actual fact.”
To be clear, I don’t use “really” excessively in my speech. However, I absolutely repeat it in my writing, particularly in lengthy pieces. Really! It took an editor to point this detail out to me. Now, I’ve become hyper aware. It’s a good thing. It keeps me alert and helps me to understand that I place tremendous weight on the emphasis of expression. That’s who I am.
Take a look at your writing. Think about your vocabulary when you speak. Ask yourself…
What’s my WOTY worth?
Categories: Consequence