Every year, a new phrase takes over TikTok and everyday conversations, but no one saw it coming.
Dictionary.com has officially named “6 7” the word of the year for 2025, leaving parents, teachers, and even linguists scratching their heads. The seemingly random phrase went viral after appearing in a song and spreading through videos, memes and jokes in Gen Alpha’s classroom.
What started as lyrics to a rap song quickly became a global inside joke, with teenagers shouting “six seven” in classrooms, sports stadiums, and comment sections everywhere. You may wonder if the phrase really half anything, and why exactly it became such a phenomenon. Here’s everything you need to know about the viral slang that captured the mood of Generation Alpha and earned 2025’s top linguistic honor.
What is the word of the year 2025?
Dictionary.com officially crowned “6 7” as Word of the Year 2025 after the phrase took over TikTok, Instagram, and school hallways across the United States. The term captured the chaotic, playful humor of Generation Alpha and teenagers, who use it as a sort of meaningless catchphrase that they can still somehow relate to. The site noted that “6 7” perfectly embodies how language is evolving in the digital age, where memes, music and viral videos now define how young people communicate.
What does 6 7 mean?
In essence, “6 7” has no fixed definition, and that is part of its charm. It is mainly used for comedic effect, to react to random moments online or in conversation. For many teens, saying “six seven” is simply a fun way to fill the silence or express confusion without saying anything. That kind of meaning through nonsense is what makes it a staple of Generation Alpha slang. As Dictionary.com explained, the phrase represents how young users “find belonging and humor in chance,” turning silliness into social bonds.
Who started the 6 7 viral trend?
The trend dates back to “Doot Doot (6 7)”a 2024 song by the rapper Skrillawhich first popularized the phrase through its catchy beat and nonsensical lyrics.
Skrilla analyzes his viral hit “Doot Doot (6 7)” with Genius 🧠pic.twitter.com/eEF7L5HV8t
– Complex Music (@ComplexMusic) October 29, 2025
Shortly after, TikTok users began quoting and remixing the song in funny videos. The real explosion came when a viral clip showed a boy shouting “six seven!” at a basketball event, prompting a wave of edits and memes linking the phrase to athletes, especially LaMelo Ballwho is 6′ 7″ tall.
