Word of the Year 2025
“It’s not just the word, it’s the vibe.” That’s how Steve Johnson, Ph.D., director of lexicography for the Dictionary Media Group at IXL Learning, described the shocking choice of “67” (pronounced “six seven,” not “sixty seven”) as Dictionary.com’s 2025 Word of the Year. The announcement has left parents, teachers, and linguists scratching their heads, while Gen Alpha and TikTok users can’t stop celebrating.
What Does “67” Mean
Dictionary.com reports that “67” saw an explosive rise in digital use this year, appearing roughly six times more often in October 2025 than throughout all of 2024. But what exactly does it mean? According to the dictionary, it doesn’t have one fixed definition. It functions more as a social interjection, a shout, reaction, or inside joke that expresses emotion without literal meaning. As Johnson put it, “When people say it, they’re not just repeating a meme; they’re shouting a feeling.” The term’s origins are murky but traceable to a few viral moments. One is the 2024 song “Doot Doot (6 7)” by rapper Skrilla, which used the phrase as a rhythmic chant. Another is a viral youth basketball video known as “The 67 Kid,” where a player yelled “six seven” after a shot, spawning endless meme remixes. Some fans even tie it to NBA star LaMelo Ball, who stands 6 feet 7 inches tall. Regardless of the source, the term caught fire across TikTok, YouTube Shorts, and online chats, evolving into a universal expression of chaotic energy.
Why This Word Matters
For parents and teachers, “six seven” might sound meaningless. But linguists say that’s precisely what makes it significant. The word’s power comes from its lack of definition, which mirrors how young people use language to shape identity and culture online. It reflects a shift away from words as conveyors of information toward words as signals of community and humor. The selection also highlights the growing cultural influence of Gen Alpha, the first generation raised entirely in the age of memes and short-form video. Their language evolves faster than traditional dictionaries can track, blending audio clips, emojis, and slang into entirely new forms of communication.
A Challenge for Parents and Teachers
For educators, “67” represents a new linguistic frontier. Teachers report students using viral slang that shifts meaning daily. It’s not about disrespect, it’s about social belonging. Language, in this context, becomes an evolving digital dialect. Parents, too, are learning that phrases like “six seven” are rarely literal. They’re expressions of energy, humor, or pure absurdity.
What It Says About Culture in 2025
Dictionary.com’s choice of “67” is more than a viral nod, it’s a commentary on modern communication. In an age when attention spans are shrinking and cultural moments move at lightning speed, even a two digit number can capture a year’s worth of social energy. It’s a reminder that language isn’t static, it’s alive, playful, and constantly redefining itself through the youngest voices online.
