(NEXSTAR) — You could say the signs have been evident for several weeks now.
This slang term, which pops up in nearly every chat involving elementary school-age kids, has been named the Word of the Year for 2025 by Dictionary.com. It’s “6-7.”
“Word of the Year isn’t just about frequent usage; it highlights the narratives we construct about ourselves and our evolution over the past year,” the online dictionary shared in a recent press release. “For these reasons, Dictionary.com’s Word of the Year for 2025 is 6-7.”
What does “6-7” mean?
It’s said as six-seven rather than sixty-seven. If you’ve been around kids or young people lately, you’ve probably seen them lift their hands, palms up, as if they’re weighing choices, saying, “6-7.”
Its origins are rooted in online culture. Dictionary.com notes that “6-7” is trending in Google searches, likely from parents, educators, and older folks trying to decode its meaning.
To clarify— it doesn’t actually mean much.
In a song from December 2024 titled “Dutt Dutt (6・7)”, Skrilla raps, “Six, seven, I just drove to the right on the highway.” Interestingly, he mentioned that this track was never intended for release. It quickly gained traction in a fan-made video featuring NBA player LaMelo Ball, who stands 6-foot-7 and has amassed a following among young fans, in part due to his flashy style. The appeal, as some reports suggest, is contributing to the meme surrounding “6-7.”
Interestingly, Ball’s on-court abilities aren’t the most noteworthy aspect, leading to the idea that “6-7” along with his casual hand gesture can signify average situations or performances.
As one TikTok creator put it: “There’s literally no situation where a child wouldn’t say ‘six-seven.’” Mr. Lindsay articulated this point, noting that teens might not even grasp why they use it. Two teenagers interviewed confirmed this feeling.
Moreover, “6-7” appears to be blending with other slang, such as “sendy,” but, in truth, even that combination doesn’t really carry a considerable meaning.
Dictionary.com’s Word of the Year for 2025 — Scorner
Similar to other honors, there are words that get overlooked despite strong presence, like six wins and seven losses. Dictionary.com identified ten words as runners-up for the top spot in 2025, and the debate continues on whether they warrant more or less popularity.
- Agentic: Linked to AI, it refers to tech capable of working independently.
- Aura Farming: A term born from social media, fueled by viral memes featuring kids on racing boats.
- Broligarky: Referencing the relationship between billionaires like Elon Musk and President Trump, it has gained traction this year.
- Clunker: This term has also surfaced in the AI context, typically describing early, imperfect robots.
- 🧨 Dynamite Emoji (TNT, Taylor ‘n’ Travis): Refers to the particular emoji that sparked discussions around Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s engagement.
- Gen Z stare: Generally depicts the blank looks often seen among younger generations, raising questions about their digital habits.
- Kiss cam: Refers to moments on-screen during events, notably one that stirred buzz at a Coldplay concert recently.
- Overtourism: It’s become clearer what this means as travelers seek less crowded destinations.
- Fees: A frequent topic of discussion since former President Trump took office.
- Tradwife: Short for “traditional wife,” highlighting homemakers who share their experiences on social media, has made it to established dictionaries.
As we inch closer to 2026, a list of “banished” terms from universities in Michigan suggests that we might be ready to move away from some of these phrases. It wouldn’t be surprising if “6-7” makes that list.
