Dictionary.com has named the viral, nonsensical term "6-7" as its word of the year, baffling parents and teachers while becoming a ubiquitous inside joke among youth, driven by social media.
Dictionary.com's latest 'word of the year' is the viral term "6-7," a phrase that has captivated kids and teenagers but left parents, teachers, and even the dictionary site itself largely bewildered. This social media-driven inside joke exploded in popularity over the summer, with its origins tracing back to rapper Skrilla's 2024 song "Doot Doot (6-7)." It gained significant traction through TikTok videos featuring basketball players, including the NBA's LaMelo Ball (who stands 6-foot-7), and a viral video of a boy dubbed 'The 6-7 Kid' shouting the phrase while juggling his hands. The exact meaning of "6-7" remains unclear; Dictionary.com suggests it could mean "so-so" or "maybe this, maybe that" when combined with the hand gesture, while Merriam-Webster calls it a "nonsensical expression." Some teens simply use it to frustrate adults. Despite its ambiguous meaning, Dictionary.com notes its significance in fostering connection among those who use it, even labeling it as having "all the hallmarks of brainrot." The term has sparked varied reactions globally, with parents and teachers attempting to understand, ban, or even embrace it, and it has even spilled over into NFL celebrations. Dictionary.com selected "6-7" due to its dramatic surge in online searches and its influence on how people communicate and express themselves, reflecting current social trends and linguistic evolution.
