In classrooms, online discussions, and now officially as the word of the year, “67” (also denoted as “6-7” or “six-seven”) has been declared by Dictionary.com as the standout term for 2025. Described as “classic brainrot slang,” the term is characterized as intentionally nonsensical and centered on embracing absurdity. Essentially, “6-7” can convey a sense of mediocrity, uncertainty, or even signify nothing at all.
The term is often enthusiastically exclaimed with a raised-palms gesture in lively group environments like sporting events or, more recently, in classrooms, much to the chagrin of educators. According to Steve Johnson, the director of lexicography for the Dictionary Media Group, “67” stands out as one of the few words of the year that functions as an interjection.
While the exact origins of the term remain ambiguous, it is commonly linked to the 2024 track “Doot Doot (6 7)” by Skrilla or viral video clips featuring NBA player LaMelo Ball, noted for his height of six feet seven inches. The announcement of “67” as the word of the year by Dictionary.com sparked surprise online, with many questioning the decision to select what seems to be a number or an essentially meaningless phrase as the word of the year.
The rationale behind this choice, as explained by Johnson, is that “67” epitomizes the brainrot culture prevalent in both online spaces and real-life interactions. Johnson emphasized how few slang terms have encapsulated the cultural ambiance of 2025 as effectively as “67,” representing a blend of inside joke, social cue, and performance.
The term’s popularity surged significantly this year, with “6-7” making six times more appearances in digital media in October 2025 compared to the average usage in 2024. TikTok data revealed over two million posts featuring the hashtag #67 within the past year, with a noticeable uptick in usage in recent months. Among the other contenders for Dictionary.com’s 2025 word of the year were terms like “aura farming,” “Gen Z stare,” “tariff,” and “tradwife.”