‘Style, charm, or attractiveness,’ per a modern coinage NYT Mini Crossword answer and hints

Unless you’re hip or up to date with modern slang, today’s NYT Mini Crossword clue, “Style, charm, or attractiveness,” per a modern coinage,” is one you’ll never guess just from the clue alone. And I tried—I must just not be that cool anymore.

The clue “Style, charm, or attractiveness,” per a modern coinage,” is from the July 30 NYT Mini Crossword. Without a few helpful hints it’s going to be tough to unravel, especially for those of us with a few more years on our meters.

‘Style, charm, or attractiveness,’ per a modern coinage July 30 NYT Mini Crossword hints and answer

• Hint 1: It starts with an “R.”
• Hint 2: It has one vowel.
• Hint 3: It’s short for charisma.
• Hint 4: There are multiple TikTok challenges dedicated to it.

Spoiler: The answer to this clue is below. So, if you’re still trying to solve it, please don’t read on.

The answer to “Style, charm, or attractiveness,” per modern coinage,” is “RIZZ.” Rizz, which is short for charisma, was first started seeing widespread usage online and in-person in 2021. It usually refers to someone’s romantic charm or appeal or their ability to charm or seduce. Call me old-fashioned, but I prefer the simple charisma.

Now that you’ve solved one across, you can finish the rest of the July 30 Mini Crossword puzzle. Or, if you’re struggling, I have all the clues and answers below.

NYT Mini Crossword puzzle (July 30): All clues and answers

Across

• 1A “Style, charm, or attractiveness,” per a modern coinage—RIZZ
• 5A Close bud—HOMIE
• 6A Black cats and red moons, supposedly—OMENS
• 7A Make a face—REACT
• 8A Prefix with fat or fiction—NON

Down

• 1D Title Shakespeare role for a young DiCaprio—ROMEO
• 2D “That is to say…”—I MEAN
• 3D Chemical element found in many immune-boosting supplements—ZINC
• 4D Finely grate, as a lemon peel—ZEST
• 5D Car’s noisemaker—HORN

‘Style, charm, or attractiveness’ per a modern coinage clue difficulty rating

If you are not among the younger generation or don’t use TikTok, this clue would have been impossible to crack because it’s a very new and uncommon word. For difficulty, this clue should be rated four out of five.

When I read this clue, I had no idea what it could mean and thought it must be another word for someone with style, charm, and attractiveness, like someone who’s suave. When that thought didn’t pan out, I wondered, “What’s a modern word for someone with charm?” After an embarrassingly long time, I landed on Rizz. Although it’s not my favorite word, nor one I use, it’s certainly popular, especially in TikTok trends.

What to play after the NYT Mini Crossword puzzle

If you’re looking for mini crosswords like the one from the NYT, why not try the ones from the LA Times and the Washington Post? They’re also released daily and can be entertaining and formidable. Or, try Strands and  Spelling Bee. Both are enjoyable word-based games that broaden your creative thinking and English language skills.