Word of the Year 2023!

The Oxford English Dictionary has revealed its ‘Word of the Year’ for 2023 and it’s none other than a word many of us may not even be aware we possess. ‘Rizz’ takes the crown for this year’s most important word or expression in the public sphere, knocking ‘Swiftie’ and ‘situationship’ out of the running. This unexpected addition to our vocabulary has sparked intrigue and amusement amongst Gen Z and others worldwide, despite a large percentage of our population having never even heard of it. Every year, lexicographers at the Oxford English Dictionary (OED) meticulously analyse linguistic trends, cultural shifts, and any new words which have made their way into our vocabulary over the past year.

A shortened adaptation of the word ‘charisma’, ‘rizz’ refers to one’s natural charm, confidence, and flair. But why are we so interested in this year’s Word of the Year? Besides our general love for keeping up with new words and sayings, we found this year’s winner particularly entertaining as it’s also the nickname of our CEO, Ridwana.

The OED may have chosen ‘rizz’ as their word for this year, but we’re embracing the happy coincidence of having our very own Rizz at the heart of our charity. Ridwana, or Rizz as she’s often personally known, truly embodies the spirit of the word, bringing her unique style and leadership flair to the forefront of all things Penny Appeal.

Embracing this linguistic moment, this week we’re encouraging all our staff to embrace their inner ‘rizz’ and approach new challenges with confidence and flair. Whether it’s an imaginative solution to a problem or a creative idea for a new campaign, we want all our employees, volunteers, and partners to show personality and confidence through their individual projects.

Here at Penny Appeal, we’re bold and orange in everything we do, always aiming to add a little bit of ‘rizz’ to our life-saving fundraising and quirky appeals. So, why not join us and pour your ‘rizz’ into saving lives today? Take a look at our upcoming appeals and challenges to see how you can use small change to make a big difference.