‘67’ Chosen As Word Of The Year 2025 – What It Means And Why It Surprised Many
Dictionary.com has declared “67” pronounced “six-seven” as its Word of the Year for 2025. This slang term, popular among Gen Alpha, quickly sparked confusion online, especially among older audiences unsure how a number could be called a word.
The website explained that “67” became widely used on TikTok, in memes, and in schools over the past year. The phrase is believed to have originated from the track "Doot Doot (6 7)" by Skrilla and gained further traction through viral posts related to basketball culture and a child nicknamed “the 67 Kid.”
Teachers reportedly started discussing how to limit students’ use of the term almost immediately after it gained popularity.
Dictionary.com describes “67” as deliberately ambiguous, used to express uncertainty or neutrality. It roughly translates to “so-so” or “maybe this, maybe that,” though its meaning can shift with context.
The site stated that “The most defining feature of 67 is that it is impossible to define. It is meaningless, ubiquitous, and nonsensical.” The term reflects how digital culture has created a shared language for younger generations.
The shortlist for 2025 also included terms reflecting current cultural and social trends, such as Aura Farming, Broligarchy, Tradwife, Tariff, and Overtourism. The “dynamite” or “TNT” emoji also gained attention after Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s engagement, becoming shorthand for their “explosive” relationship.
Social media users expressed disbelief at a number being named Word of the Year. Comments ranged from “We have officially reached the point where internet inside jokes are replacing English” to “Next year’s Word of the Year might be an emoji.”
Dictionary.com noted that "Doot Doot (6 7)" features “six-seven” repeatedly in its lyrics. Videos referencing NBA player LaMelo Ball, who is 6’7” tall, helped the term become a viral meme.
The gesture accompanying “67” with palms facing up and moving alternately has become a symbol of Gen Alpha’s humour and self-expression. The platform classified it as “brainrot slang,” deliberately absurd phrases constantly evolving online.
“Because of its murky and shifting usage, it's an example of brainrot slang and is intended to be nonsensical and playfully absurd,” Dictionary.com added.
The website explained that “67” became widely used on TikTok, in memes, and in schools over the past year. The phrase is believed to have originated from the track "Doot Doot (6 7)" by Skrilla and gained further traction through viral posts related to basketball culture and a child nicknamed “the 67 Kid.”
Teachers reportedly started discussing how to limit students’ use of the term almost immediately after it gained popularity.
Dictionary.com describes “67” as deliberately ambiguous, used to express uncertainty or neutrality. It roughly translates to “so-so” or “maybe this, maybe that,” though its meaning can shift with context.
The site stated that “The most defining feature of 67 is that it is impossible to define. It is meaningless, ubiquitous, and nonsensical.” The term reflects how digital culture has created a shared language for younger generations.
The shortlist for 2025 also included terms reflecting current cultural and social trends, such as Aura Farming, Broligarchy, Tradwife, Tariff, and Overtourism. The “dynamite” or “TNT” emoji also gained attention after Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s engagement, becoming shorthand for their “explosive” relationship.
Social media users expressed disbelief at a number being named Word of the Year. Comments ranged from “We have officially reached the point where internet inside jokes are replacing English” to “Next year’s Word of the Year might be an emoji.”
Dictionary.com noted that "Doot Doot (6 7)" features “six-seven” repeatedly in its lyrics. Videos referencing NBA player LaMelo Ball, who is 6’7” tall, helped the term become a viral meme.
The gesture accompanying “67” with palms facing up and moving alternately has become a symbol of Gen Alpha’s humour and self-expression. The platform classified it as “brainrot slang,” deliberately absurd phrases constantly evolving online.
“Because of its murky and shifting usage, it's an example of brainrot slang and is intended to be nonsensical and playfully absurd,” Dictionary.com added.
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