Dictionary.com Names Nonsensical Meme ‘6-7’ Word of the Year Despite No Clear Meaning

Dictionary.com’s latest Word of the Year announcement crowned “6-7” (also written as “67” or “6 7”), a viral in-joke with no fixed definition but strong social signaling power.

“Every year, Dictionary”

ABP Live English

The site and many reports describe it as “meaningless” and “nonsensical,” yet meaningful to users because it forges connection, with attention and searches surging over the year.

ABP Live English

Coverage notes pronunciation as “six-seven” (not “sixty-seven”), and some outlets frame the pick as emblematic of youth-driven, online-first language shifts.

The formal announcement pegged it to late October 2025, while several outlets simultaneously emphasized its ubiquity and ambiguity.

Accounts of how “6-7” spread differ by outlet and region.

Many trace its rise to rapper Skrilla’s track “Doot Doot (6 7)” and basketball culture tie-ins, such as LaMelo Ball’s 6'7" height.

Associated Press

Viral youth clips like the “67 Kid” also contributed to its popularity.

Spikes in searches and usage were measured across 2024–2025.

Some coverage highlights NFL sideline celebrations and Halloween costumes as examples of the meme moving from TikTok to real life.

Metrics-focused reports note millions of #67 posts and a sixfold surge in usage during specific months.

Coverage of the term's meaning is divided among various outlets.

“The "67" phrase is often linked to LaMelo Ball, who is 6 feet 7 inches tall, (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images) LaMelo Ball is a fun basketball player to watch in the NBA”

Austin American-Statesman

Several sources echo Dictionary.com's framing of the term as "meaningless, ubiquitous, nonsensical" but socially bonding.

Other reports highlight common user interpretations such as "so-so," "maybe," or a versatile interjection.

Some describe it as slang emerging from brainrot-era culture, shaped by social media feeds and in-group signaling.

Even Dictionary.com is portrayed as uncertain about the exact meaning, emphasizing an intentional ambiguity that contributes to the meme's appeal.

Reactions split sharply along generational and institutional lines.

Parents and teachers post explainer videos or try to embrace it to make it uncool.

Australian Broadcasting Corporation

Some schools have banned the phrase.

Other reports describe classroom disruptions and public skepticism about enshrining a number-slash-interjection as a word.

At the same time, mainstream sports moments—from football sidelines to youth hoops—helped cement its visibility beyond TikTok.

Beyond the meme, outlets tie “6-7” to a larger lexicographic debate about what counts as a “word.”

“If you’ve interacted with the youth literally at all this year, chances are you’re familiar withthe term “6-7” (pronounced “six-seveeeeen“)”

Betches

They also question what Word of the Year lists actually capture.

Betches

Some reports list very different runner-ups, reflecting how youth culture and internet in-jokes compete with policy and lifestyle terms.

Others even disagree over whether this is the first numeric slang or one of the first interjections to win.

This illustrates how fast-changing, platform-native slang challenges traditional categories.