Dictionary.com has chosen “67” as the word of the year for 2025. The term, also known as “6-7” or “six-seven,” is described as a classic brainrot slang that conveys a sense of purposeful nonsensicality and participation in absurdity. In essence, “6-7” can signify mediocrity, uncertainty, or even nothing at all.
The term is often exclaimed with a raised-palms gesture in lively group settings like sports events or, more recently, in classrooms, much to the dismay of many educators. According to Steve Johnson, the director of lexicography for the Dictionary Media Group, “6-7” stands out as one of the few words of the year that functions as an interjection.
While the exact origin of the term remains unclear, it is linked to the 2024 song “Doot Doot (6 7)” by Skrilla or viral video edits featuring NBA player LaMelo Ball, known for his height of six feet seven inches. The announcement of “67” as the word of the year drew surprise online, with many questioning the decision to designate a number or seemingly meaningless phrase as the word of the year.
Johnson explains that “67” embodies the brainrot culture prevalent in both online and real-world contexts. He describes it as a blend of an inside joke, social signal, and performance that encapsulates the cultural vibe of 2025. The term has gained significant traction on social media, with people incorporating “6-7” into various aspects of daily life, from handshakes and lessons to food creations and even TV show appearances.
In terms of popularity, “6-7” saw a substantial increase in digital media mentions in October 2025 compared to 2024, with over two million posts featuring the hashtag #67 on TikTok in the past year. Among the contenders for Dictionary.com’s word of the year were terms like “aura farming,” “Gen Z stare,” “tariff,” and “tradwife.”
