Why Does My Son Say RIZZ All the Time? Parent’s Guide to Gen Z Slang

If you're asking yourself, Why does my son say rizz all the time? then you’re onto one of the latest trends in Gen Z language! Keeping up with today's language trends can be like decoding a secret code. Kids today seem to have their own vocab, full of words like "sus," "cap," and now, "rizz." But while it might feel like a random word, "rizz" actually has some depth to it.

For Gen Z, it's more than just a phrase—it's practically a way of life! From TikTok to text messages, "rizz" is everywhere. So, what does it mean, and why is it such a hit with kids and teens? Let's get into it and explore why "rizz" has taken over Gen Z conversations.

What does "rizz" mean?

Alright, so here’s the quick answer. "Rizz" is Gen Z's shorthand for charisma or charm. If someone "has rizz," they know how to make people like them, especially if they’re trying to impress someone they’re interested in. Think of it as having "game" or being naturally smooth—someone with that magnetic vibe who just knows how to make others laugh, feel at ease, or maybe even blush a bit.

But rizz isn’t just about flirting. It’s about all-around confidence. If someone has "rizz," they might not even be trying to impress anyone; they just have that effortless cool.

Examples of rizz in Use

"Did you see her talking to everyone at the party? She's got unspoken rizz."

"Wow, he really rizzed up that whole crowd. Everyone was laughing!"

"I need to work on my rizz; I want to be less nervous around people."

As you can see, rizz isn't just about flirting—it can also be about how someone handles themselves in social situations, impressing friends, or just connecting naturally with others.

Where did the slang term "rizz" come from?

The origins of "rizz" are rooted in social media, specifically from content creators who popularized the term on platforms like TikTok and Twitch. A streamer named Kai Cenat is credited with bringing the term into the mainstream, using it to talk about charisma and social confidence, especially in the context of impressing someone.

From there, the slang "rizz" spread quickly, catching on with Gen Z and becoming a staple in their online language. The appeal of rizz lies in its catchiness and the way it captures an essential part of social interactions in a single, fun syllable.

Since then, rizz has been adopted by millions of young people, turning it into a kind of social shorthand for confidence and connection.

Why do kids love saying rizz?

So why is "rizz" everywhere? Why do teens love this word so much? It’s probably because Gen Z and Generation Alpha love to put a fresh twist on familiar ideas. Saying someone has "rizz" is just more playful than saying someone has charisma or confidence. It has a bit of a wink to it — it’s lighthearted, catchy, and doesn’t sound as serious as saying someone is "charming" or "smooth."

But it’s more than that. Gen Z and Generation Alpha (those born after 2010) use slang to build their own community. When they use terms like "rizz," they’re bonding over a shared language that makes them feel connected. Saying "rizz" instead of "charm" is like a code, an in-joke that feels modern and makes them part of something bigger.

How Gen Z uses "rizz" as a slang: 3 common ways

Like a lot of modern slang, "rizz" has branched out into different variations and uses, each with a unique twist. Here are some of the most popular ways Gen Z has adapted rizz slang to fit various social situations:

Unspoken Rizz

This is used to describe someone with effortless charisma — a person who has natural charm without even trying. They don’t do anything over-the-top; they just have a relaxed confidence that makes others gravitate toward them.

• Example: "He doesn’t say much, but he’s got unspoken rizz. Everyone just likes him."

Cringe Rizz

"Cringe rizz" refers to someone who’s trying a little too hard to be charming or impressive, often with awkward results. It’s a lighthearted way of saying they’re overdoing it and missing the mark.

• Example: "Did you see how he kept complimenting her? That was some serious cringe rizz."

Rizzing Someone Up

This is the act of actively using "rizz" to impress or charm another person, usually in a flirty way. When someone is "rizzing someone up," they’re intentionally bringing out their charisma to make a connection or get someone’s attention.

• Example: "He’s totally rizzing her up; she’s been laughing at his jokes all night."

These examples highlight just how adaptable "rizz" is, giving Gen Z a range of ways to talk about confidence, charm, and social skills across different situations.

"Sticking out your GYAT for the rizzler": A related phrase

"Sticking out your gyatt for the rizzler" is a humorous phrase that combines two popular Gen Z slang terms, "gyatt" and "rizz." It’s often used as a playful exaggeration, blending flirtation and humor in a way that mimics the style of TikTok and meme culture. Here’s a breakdown of the terms and their origins:

Gyatt

"Gyatt" comes from the exclamation "Goddamn," often said when noticing something attention-grabbing, like an attractive person. Over time, it became shortened to "gyat" and is commonly used in the context of admiring someone’s appearance. Specifically, it’s often used to refer to someone’s curves or "ass," making it an exaggerated expression of admiration.

Rizz

Just like we explained above, "rizz" is slang for charisma or flirting ability. It refers to someone’s charm or "game" in social or romantic contexts, with "the rizzler" being a playful term for someone who is especially good at charming others.

Sticking Out Your GYAT for the Rizzler

Combining the two slang terms, the phrase "sticking out your gyat for the rizzler" essentially means showing off or emphasizing your appearance to impress someone who has strong romantic charisma. It’s often used jokingly, poking fun at the idea of putting extra effort into catching someone’s attention or admiration. The phrase became popular as a playful twist on Gen Z slang and doesn’t necessarily have a serious or literal meaning.

The phrase also takes inspiration from the song "Ecstasy" by SUICIDAL-IDOL, which includes the line "sticking out your tongue for the picture." The phrase "sticking out your gyatt for the rizzler" echoes this playful exaggeration, creating a catchy meme-like phrase that’s now part of Gen Z slang.

Example Usages

"Wow, she's really sticking out her GYAT for the rizzler tonight. She's got that outfit and everything."

"I'm putting in extra effort on this date; I guess I'm sticking out my GYAT for the rizzler!"

Is the term "rizz" appropriate? Should parents be concerned?

Generally, rizz is harmless and fun, and it doesn't have any inappropriate connotations. It's just a playful way for teens and young adults to talk about social skills and confidence, especially when they're trying to impress someone.

However, like any slang term, context matters. While rizz itself is positive, some kids might take it too far or use it to tease others. Encourage your child to use rizz in ways that are kind, and remind them that real rizz comes from being genuine and respectful.

Most importantly, it's a great conversation starter with your child! Asking them what rizz means and listening to their explanation can help you understand their world better. It also opens the door to talking about social skills, confidence, and respecting others.

Final Thoughts

Rizz might seem like a silly or fleeting term, but it's actually a great reminder that charm and connection are timeless. Whether you're a teen in school or an adult at work, having social skills, confidence, and empathy are all valuable traits. For Gen Z, rizz is just a way to put a fresh spin on these classic qualities.

By understanding slang like "rizz," parents can gain insight into how their kids communicate, what matters to them, and how they connect with others. So next time you hear your son say "rizz," you'll know he's talking about confidence, charm, and social skills—the kind of qualities that never go out of style. Embrace it, and you might just find yourself appreciating the creativity of Gen Z's unique language!