The slang term "
6-7" is a recent internet meme and expression, largely considered to be
nonsensical. Its primary use is as an inside joke for Gen Alpha and Gen Z, often used to express a shared connection and to humorously confuse older generations. Dictionary.com named "6-7" its 2025 Word of the Year, acknowledging that its meaning is intentionally vague.
Origin and Meaning
The phrase originated in early 2025 and stems from several related cultural phenomena:
- The Song: The expression comes from the repeating lyric "six-seven" in the rap song "Doot Doot (6 7)" by Philadelphia rapper Skrilla.
- Basketball: The song gained popularity on social media when it was used in video edits of NBA player LaMelo Ball, who is 6 feet 7 inches tall. The phrase is now strongly associated with him and other basketball players.
- Viral Videos: The meme was further popularized by high school basketball player Taylen "TK" Kinney and a young spectator (the "67 Kid") in a viral video who enthusiastically yelled the phrase with a specific hand gesture.
- Brain Rot Slang: The term is an example of "brain rot" slang, which is digital media or language considered of poor quality and intentionally meaningless. The humor lies in the absurdity and the shared understanding among peers.
How it's Used
"6-7" is typically used as an interjection or a punchline to a joke that has no setup.
- Nonsense response: When a number is mentioned in conversation (e.g., a teacher asking students to turn to page 67), a teen might shout "six-seven!"
- "So-so": Some users pair the phrase with an up-and-down hand motion (like weighing scales) to mean something is just "so-so" or average.
- Inside Joke: The main function is to create an in-group bond among young people while confusing and annoying adults, which is often the point.