Dictionary.com Names '6-7' 2025 Word of Year

Dictionary.com named the viral teen and tween expression “6-7” (pronounced “six-seven”) its 2025 Word of the Year, calling the craze a linguistic time capsule that reflects how online culture reshapes language. Originating with rapper Skrilla’s 2024 song “Doot Doot (6 7)” and propelled by TikTok edits — including clips featuring LaMelo Ball and viral videos of kids chanting it — the nonsensical, context-dependent phrase functions as a playful dodge, a “so-so” response, or a way to annoy adults. It’s usually paired with a distinctive up-and-down hand gesture and has spilled into sports celebrations, Halloween costumes and everyday school corridors, where some teachers and parents have reported banning the term. Linguists and Dictionary.com’s lexicography team say the selection highlights how quickly Gen Alpha slang can spread online and underscores the need for parents and educators to monitor rapidly changing youth language.