‘6‑7’ Is the 2025 Word of the Year — Straight from Tween Slang to the Culture

Beginner | November 2, 2025

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6‑7 Word of the Year: A Viral Number Becomes Dictionary Honour

On October 28‑29, 2025, Dictionary.com announced that the slang expression “6‑7” (sometimes written “6 7” or “six‑seven”) has been chosen as its Word of the Year 2025. (dictionary.com) Although it’s not a traditional word—just two numbers—it became a cultural moment. This news quickly became known as the 6‑7 word of the year, sparking conversations about how slang becomes mainstream.

What Does “6‑7” Actually Mean?

Here’s the tricky part: nobody is entirely sure what “6‑7” means. Some say it means “so‑so” or “maybe this, maybe that,” especially when paired with a hand‑gesture: both palms facing up, moving alternately. (yahoo.com) According to Dictionary.com, it is “a viral, ambiguous slang term that has waffled its way through Gen Alpha social media and school hallways.” (qz.com) Its spreading usage matters more than its fixed meaning.

Where Did It Come From?

The slang has its roots in:

A 2024 rap song by Skrilla called Doot Doot (6 7). (dictionary.com)
A viral TikTok / AAU‑basketball clip of a youth shouting “six‑seven” while making the palms‑up gesture, which helped it explode. (en.wikipedia.org)
Younger users (born around 2010–24, known as Generation Alpha) use it for its inside‑joke value rather than its literal meaning. (thenationalnews.com)

Why Does It Matter in English Learning / Business English?

For learners, this trend shows how language evolves outside formal rules. In business‑casual settings:

Knowing about emergent slang helps you connect with younger colleagues or clients informally.
It highlights the importance of context over definition – sometimes, meaning comes more from tone and gesture than from dictionary‑type explanation.
It reminds teachers and learners that the 6‑7 word of the year trend shows how modern English evolves and language isn’t only textbooks and rules—it’s also cultural, playful, and evolving.

Vocabulary

ambiguous (adjective) – having more than one possible meaning; not clear.
Example: The term “6‑7” is ambiguous because no one agrees on what it means.
viral (adjective) – spreading quickly among many people online.
Example: The “6‑7” hand gesture went viral on TikTok.
slang (noun) – informal language used by a particular group.
Example: “Cool” and “dope” are slang words used in casual speech.
gesture (noun) – a movement made with a body part to express an idea.
Example: The palms‑up gesture with “six‑seven” is part of the meme.
generation (noun) – a group of people born and living around the same time.
Example: Generation Alpha is using the “6‑7” trend.
culture (noun) – the ideas, customs, and social behavior of a particular people or group.
Example: Slang is part of youth culture.
inside joke (noun) – a joke understood only by a particular group.
Example: When teens say “6‑7,” it works like an inside joke.
meme (noun) – an idea, behavior, or style that spreads from person to person online.
Example: The “6‑7” meme is based on a short clip and gesture.
dictionary (noun) – a reference book/list where words and their meanings are listed.
Example: Dictionary.com chose “6‑7” as its Word of the Year.
evolve (verb) – to develop gradually over time.
Example: Language evolves through social media and culture.

Discussion Questions (About the Article)

What reasons did Dictionary.com give for choosing “6‑7” as the Word of the Year?
Why do you think the exact meaning of “6‑7” matters less than its spread?
How did the song by Skrilla and the social‑media clip help “6‑7” become popular?
In what ways might this trend impact everyday communication between younger and older people?
What can teachers and learners learn from the fact that “6‑7” is slang rather than a traditional word?

Discussion Questions (About the Topic)

Have you ever encountered youth slang in school or the workplace that confused you? How did you respond?
Why do you think new generations create inside‑joke slang terms?
Can slang ever become part of formal business communication? Why or why not?
How important is it for language learners to keep up with slang and cultural trends?
Do you think number‑based slang like “6‑7” will last, or will it fade quickly? Why?

Related Idiom

“Speak the same language” – to understand each other, have shared views or context.
Example: When a manager uses young‑team slang without explaining it, they may not be speaking the same language—figuratively. In this case, learners can aim to “speak the same language” by staying aware of evolving expressions like “6‑7.”

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This article was inspired by: Yahoo Lifestyle and Dictionary.com