Exploring Dictionary.com’s Word of the Year: Meaning and Significance

Feel free to roll your eyes or shake your head. You might even throw your hands up in confusion.

This year’s word of the year from Dictionary.com is not a typical word; it’s the trending phrase “6-7,” which has become a favorite among kids and teens while leaving parents and teachers perplexed.

The term surged in popularity over the summer, mostly as an inside joke circulating on social media platforms.

According to Dictionary.com, the selection aims to capture linguistic trends and social events. However, they acknowledge the ambiguity surrounding “6-7.”

“Don’t worry; we’re all still working on understanding what it truly signifies,” the site mentioned in its recent announcement.

THE ORIGINS OF ‘6-7’

The phrase seems to have originated from rapper Skrilla’s 2024 track called “Doot Doot (6-7).”

It gained traction on TikTok, particularly with basketball players like LaMelo Ball, who measures six feet and seven inches (2m).

Additionally, a viral video featuring a boy, now dubbed “The 6-7 Kid,” shouting the phrase while another child humorously waved his hands helped solidify its popularity.

WHAT DOES ‘6-7’ ACTUALLY MEAN?

Truthfully, no one knows for sure.

The meaning often depends on the context and who’s interpreting it.

Even the proper way to write “6-7” is debated: is it “6 7” or “six seven”?

Dictionary.com suggests it could signify “average” or an indication of indecision when paired with the hand gesture.

Merriam-Webster describes it as “a nonsensical phrase typically used by teenagers.”

Some simply use it to confuse adults when questioned.

Dictionary.com comments, “It’s meaningless, widespread, and nonsensical—just the kind of brain rot we see these days.”

“Nevertheless, it carries significance for those who use it due to the connections it fosters,” they added.

HOW HAS THE WORLD REACTED?

In response, parents and teachers have created their own videos attempting to decode this phenomenon.

Some share tips to discourage their kids from repeating it endlessly, while others suggest leaning into the trend, even crafting “6-7” Halloween costumes in hopes of making it less cool.

Schools have imposed bans on it, while influencers and child psychologists have taken an interest in unraveling its meaning.

The phrase has even made its way into the NFL, serving as a celebration for impressive plays.

WHY IS IT THE WORD OF THE YEAR?

Dictionary.com selects terms that influence our communication styles, both in person and online.

The site analyzed search trends, media headlines, and social media activity to make its choice. Interest in “6-7” skyrocketed over the summer and continues to grow, increasing sixfold since June.

“The Word of the Year is not just about what’s popular; it reflects the narratives we create about ourselves and how we’ve evolved,” they explained.