Dictionary.com Declares ‘6-7’ as 2025 Word of the Year

BREAKING: Dictionary.com has just announced that the viral term “6-7” has been named the 2025 Word of the Year, a significant cultural milestone that reflects the evolving landscape of slang and digital communication. This announcement comes amidst a heated political climate, where phrases can ignite discussions and debates across the nation.

The term “6-7” has surged in popularity, becoming a staple among Gen Alpha and resonating widely across social media platforms. “Few slang terms have captured the cultural mood of 2025 quite like ‘6 7,’” stated Steve Johnson, Ph.D., director of lexicography for the Dictionary Media Group at IXL Learning. “It’s part inside joke, part social signal and part performance.”

This meme originated from rapper Skrilla’s song “Doot Doot (6 7),” but gained traction after LaMelo Ball, point guard for the Charlotte Hornets, popularized it by referencing his height. The phrase has since become a phenomenon, infiltrating classrooms and social interactions nationwide.

According to a press release from Dictionary.com, the term exemplifies how modern slang intertwines digital humor, sports culture, and generational creativity. In October 2025, “6 7” appeared in digital media six times more frequently than its average usage in 2024, underscoring its explosive growth and relevance.

Despite its prominence, Dictionary.com admits that the precise meaning of “6 7” remains somewhat elusive. Pronounced as “six-seven” and never “sixty-seven,” the term has puzzled many adults, including parents and teachers. The double-digit phrase has left a lasting impression on the social media landscape, showcasing the generational divide in understanding contemporary slang.

This year, Dictionary.com also added six other words to its lexicon, reflecting the influence of Gen Z and social media trends. Among these are “aura-farming,” defined as “the deliberate cultivation of one’s charisma, style or vibe, often for online attention,” and the “Gen Z stare,” known for its unbothered expression.

In a world where language evolves rapidly, the recognition of “6 7” as the Word of the Year highlights how slang can encapsulate feelings, connections, and cultural shifts. As the digital landscape continues to change, the impact of such terms on communication and identity remains profound.

WHAT’S NEXT: Watch for how “6-7” and other newly recognized terms shape conversations in schools and social media, influencing not just Gen Alpha but also broader cultural trends. This development is a reminder of the power of language to unite or confuse across generations.

Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.