“67” Slang Explained: What It Means & Why It’s the 2025 Word of the Year
In a surprise move, Dictionary.com selected “67” (pronounced six-seven, not “six-seven”) as its Word of the Year for 2025.
But what does “67” actually mean — and how did a number become slang and then a word of the year? Let’s dive in.
Origin of “67”
The slang term “67” emerged from internet culture and social media rather than traditional language roots. According to Dictionary.com:
- Its origin is traced back to the drill song Doot Doot (6 7) by rapper Skrilla, which repeatedly uses “six-seven” as a hook.
- It gained viral momentum through TikTok/Instagram videos pairing the song with basketball players (notably LaMelo Ball, who is 6’7”) and other meme formats.
- It also entered school culture, with teachers reporting students randomly shouting “six-seven” during class.
Thus, “67” moved from a music lyric to a meme to everyday usage — all before it was officially labelled a “word”.
So What Does “67” Mean?
Here’s where it gets interesting: there’s no fixed, conventional meaning for “67”.
- Dictionary.com states the term is “ambiguous” and “intentionally nonsensical,” describing it as an example of what it calls brainrot slang.
- Some users interpret “six-seven” to mean “so-so” or “maybe this, maybe that,” especially when accompanied by a hand gesture (both palms facing up and moving alternately).
- Others use it simply as a response to any question (“How are you?” — “67.”) or to show membership in a viral in-group.
In short: the value isn’t in the definition, but in the act of saying it — shared cultural meaning rather than explicit meaning.
Why Did Dictionary.com Pick “67” as Word of the Year?
- According to Dictionary.com, usage of “67” surged significantly in 2025 — search volume increased over six times since June.
- The choice reflects how language is evolving: numbers, memes and viral slang matter just as much as traditional words.
- Selecting “67” acknowledges Gen Alpha’s influence on language and how digital culture shapes communication.
Cultural Impact & Usage
- 67 is especially prominent among Gen Alpha and younger teens on TikTok, Instagram, and in secondary school settings.
- It’s also popped up in sports celebrations, in memes, and even classroom disruptions. Teachers reportedly search tips to curb its constant use.
- Its popularity signals a shift: language, humor and identity are merging with viral culture.
Why It’s Interesting for Language Lovers
- It challenges traditional lexical definitions: can a number be a word?
- It shows how meaning sometimes comes from context and community rather than dictionary definitions.
- It emphasizes speed of digital change — a term can go from obscure to mainstream quickly.
- It underscores identity and belonging in online subcultures — knowing “67” means you are “in”.
Final Thoughts
‘Six-Seven’ might seem silly — even meaningless — at first glance. But that’s precisely why it matters. It encapsulates a moment in culture: where memes blend into speech, numbers carry social weight, and language evolves faster than ever.
The fact that “six-seven” is the Word of the Year for 2025 tells us: what matters is less what the word means, and more that it’s being used. It represents belonging, identity and the quirks of our digital era.
So next time someone says “67” — remember: it might not mean much, but it means something to the people saying it.
