Dictionary.com's Word of the Year: The Viral '6-7'

Fri Oct 31 2025 15:37:13 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

The term '6-7' tops Dictionary.com's list for Word of the Year, embodying a confusing yet viral trend that resonates with the youth and baffles adults.

Dictionary.com has declared the phrase '6-7' as its Word of the Year, a term that emerged from social media and has no clear meaning. It originated from a song and viral videos, encapsulating a trend that highlights generational differences in communication. While parents and educators grapple with its significance, '6-7' reflects the evolving landscape of language among today's youth.

Go ahead and roll your eyes. Shrug your shoulders. Or maybe just juggle your hands in the air.

Dictionary.com’s word of the year isn’t even really a word. It’s the viral term “6-7” that kids and teenagers can’t stop repeating and laughing about, while parents and teachers can’t make any sense of it.

The phrase exploded in popularity over the summer, becoming more of an inside joke, driven largely by social media engagement.

Dictionary.com stated its annual selection is a linguistic time capsule reflecting social trends and events. However, the site admitted confusion around the meaning of “6-7.”

“Don’t worry, because we’re all still trying to figure out exactly what it means,” the site said during its announcement.

How did ‘6-7’ become a thing?

It traces back to rapper Skrilla’s song from 2024 called “Doot Doot (6-7).” This catchy tune began appearing in TikTok videos featuring basketball players, including the NBA standout LaMelo Ball who stands 6-foot-7. The term gained traction further when “The 6-7 Kid” shouted it while another child juggled their hands in a viral video.

So what does ‘6-7’ mean?

The short answer is: no one really knows. The intended meaning often depends on the context or audience. Even the proper way to write the term varies — some argue it should be “6-7” while others suggest “six seven.” According to Dictionary.com, it might imply “so-so,” or “maybe this, maybe that,” especially when paired with the hand-juggling gesture.

Merriam-Webster describes it as a “nonsensical expression used mainly by teens and tweens.” Some view it as a playful way to annoy adults.

“It’s meaningless, ubiquitous, and nonsensical. In other words, it has all the hallmarks of brainrot,” Dictionary.com noted. “Yet, it holds significance for those who use it due to the connection it creates.”

How has the world responded?

Parents and teachers have even created their own videos trying to explain the sensation. Some tips focus on how to avoid their kids repeating it incessantly, while others suggest embracing it by crafting Halloween costumes to strip it of its trendiness. Teachers have banned the term, while influencers and psychologists have attempted to decode it. The phrase has even made its way into the NFL as a way to celebrate big plays.

Why is it the word of the year?

Dictionary.com looks for words that shape our conversations and online interactions. The site noted that online searches for “6-7” surged dramatically over the summer, increasing sixfold since June. “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,” they stated.