Every generation invents its own slang: far-out daddy-o, that’s lit, all that and a bag of chips. Most fade into the ether. Others wind up named Word of the Year by Dictionary.com. Yes, the Gen Alpha battle cry made it to the big book.

“Perhaps the most defining feature of ‘67’ is that it’s impossible to define,” Dictionary.com says. “It’s meaningless, ubiquitous and nonsensical.”

Pronounced six-seveeeeen (emphasis on seven, personal choice on the amount of e’s), it can be shouted without warning or as a reply to anything. Literally. “What’s 50+17?” 6-7. “It’s cold outside.” 6-7. “How are you today?” 6-7.

@nbc10boston The online dictionary announced Wednesday that 2025’s Word of the Year title has been claimed by “6-7” #nbc10boston #67 #news #genalpha #fyp ♬ original sound – NBC10 Boston

Its rise to fame is just as confusing.

  • The expression can be traced back to rapper Skrilla’s track “Doot Doot (6 7).”
  • Six-foot-seven NBA player LaMelo Ball became tied to the phrase, prompting fans to yell “six-seveeeeen” when he takes the court.
  • A 14-year-old dubbed the “67 Kid” went viral for shouting “six-seven” while making an accompanying hand gesture – both palms facing up, moving as if weighing two items.
  • Popular high school basketball player Taylen Kinney further popularized the slang when he rated a Starbucks drink “six… six… six-seven.”


That quick clip made Kinney a star and inspired his own product line, featuring the number and his signature.

Like any other fad, promo wisely jumped on the opportunity. Tumblers, hoodies, socks, stickers, even matching T-shirts are flooding online store fronts, from Etsy to Amazon. Everyone wants in the inside joke that’s clearly not inside anymore.

@taylor.villalobos seriously, we can’t get rid of the 6-7 epidemic in 4th grade!! 🤦🏼‍♀️ but, we had the BESTTT time surprising our kids!! such a fun and easy way to earn some “cool teacher” points 🤪 @Julie Coggin  #teacherlife #teachersoftiktok #sixseven #67 #fyp ♬ original sound – Taylor Villalobos 👩‍🏫✨🫶🏼

Some items feature a simple “6-7.” Other items require a little thinking. Either way, it’s a money maker. Because the saying has no clear meaning, its appeal lies in its flexibility. It can be printed on just about anything, making quick turnarounds and short-run production easy.

And of course, Santa isn’t skipping out on the cash cow. Wrapping paper, customizable Christmas ornaments and tiny “Elf on the Shelf” sweatshirts are already available.

So, what’s the best way to end the madness? 6-7.