Word of the year Is ‘6-7’ – but what does it even mean?

Dictionary.com’s Word of the Year in 2025 isn’t a word at all, at least not in the traditional sense. The term causing a viral stir? “6-7.” And if you’re wondering what on earth it means, or if it even qualifies as a word, well, you’re not alone!

While parents and teachers scratch their heads, kids and teens can’t stop repeating the mysterious phrase, much to the confusion of adults. Dictionary.com itself admits that even they’re still trying to decode its meaning.

“Don’t worry, because we’re all still trying to figure out exactly what it means,” the site said in a statement this week, adding a touch of humor to their selection.

HOW DID ‘6-7’ BECOME A THING?

The term first gained traction this summer, but its origins are surprisingly simple, and rather silly! It can be traced back to rapper Skrilla’s 2024 track “Doot Doot (6-7)” which started popping up in TikTok videos. The song quickly became a viral backdrop for clips featuring basketball players, including NBA star LaMelo Ball, who stands at 6-foot-7.

Then came a viral video featuring a boy, now dubbed “The 6-7 Kid,” who enthusiastically shouted the phrase while his friend juggled his hands in the background. That seemingly random clip was all it took for “6-7” to explode into the cultural zeitgeist.

SO WHAT DOES ‘6-7’ MEAN?

Well… that’s the million-dollar question. According to Dictionary.com, “6-7” is an expression with no clear meaning – though it may convey something like “so-so” or “maybe this, maybe that,” particularly when paired with the signature hand-juggling gesture.

Merriam-Webster, however, calls it a “nonsensical expression used especially by teens and tweens.” Some people even use it just to mess with confused adults.

In fact, Dictionary.com describes it as “meaningless, ubiquitous, and nonsensical,” but says it still holds value for those who use it because of the connections it creates within their peer groups.

WHAT’S THE REST OF THE WORLD SAYING?

While the phrase has become a source of frustration for many parents and teachers – sometimes even making “6-7” Halloween costumes in an attempt to make it uncool. Others are embracing it. Influencers, child psychologists, and even NFL players have jumped in to try and make sense of this baffling trend. It’s even made its way onto the football field as a way to celebrate big plays.

WHY IS IT WORD OF THE YEAR?

So, why did 6-7 make the cut? According to Dictionary.com, the Word of the Year isn’t just about popularity – it’s about reflecting the way language evolves to capture the essence of our times. Searches for “6-7” soared this summer, growing sixfold since June. The term has become a window into how we communicate online, especially within Gen Z and Gen Alpha circles.

“The Word of the Year isn’t just about popular usage; it reveals the stories we tell about ourselves and how we’ve changed over the year,” the site explains.

So, while “6-7” might not be the most enlightening phrase, its rise is undeniably reflective of the unpredictable and ever-shifting ways we connect with one another. And for now, it’s here to stay, whether we like it or not!