Dictionary.com’s 2025 Word of the Year isn’t technically a word. It’s “6-7” — a viral phrase that teenagers can’t stop repeating and adults don’t seem to understand.
The term, which exploded on social media over the summer, is more of an inside joke than a term with a fixed meaning. Even Dictionary.com admitted it’s still confusing. “Don’t worry, because we’re all still trying to figure out exactly what that means,” the platform said in its announcement this week.
The trend dates back to rapper Skrilla’s 2024 song Doot Doot (6-7), which began appearing in TikTok videos featuring basketball players — notably the NBA’s 6-foot-7 LaMelo Ball. Its popularity skyrocketed after a viral clip of the boy, now dubbed “The 6-7 Kid,” yelled the phrase while another juggled his arms.
Since then, “6-7” has taken over social media feeds and sparked a full-blown meme fest. From parody adaptations and Halloween costume ideas to teachers joking about bans in the classroom, the phrase has evolved into a symbol of Gen Z humor and Internet absurdity.
However, its meaning remains elusive. Some interpret it as “so-so” when paired with a juggling hand gesture, while others use it purely to confuse parents and teachers. Merriam-Webster describes it as “a nonsensical expression used mainly by teenagers and tweens”.
Dictionary.com called it “insignificant, ubiquitous, and nonsensical—in other words, it has all the hallmarks of brain rot.” However, he noted that the phrase has cultural value because it unites those who use it.
Parents, educators and influencers have posted their own videos trying to explain – or stop – the phenomenon. The term has even found its way into sports celebrations, including the NFL.
Dictionary.com said its annual selection reflects the language that shapes everyday conversation. Searches for “6-7” have increased nearly sixfold since June. “The word of the year isn’t just about popular usage,” the site said. “It reveals the stories we tell about ourselves – and how we’ve changed.”
The Internet is responding
The word of the year sparked a meme fest on the internet. A user wrote on X: “That’s not even a word! It’s 2 numbers!”
Another user asked: “Did AI make that up?!”
“I still don’t know what 67 is and I refuse to google it. Don’t answer me either, I want to die not knowing,” wrote a third user.
