What Does 67 Mean? Dictionary.com Names ‘6-7’ as 2025 Word of the Year

Dictionary.com has officially named “67” — pronounced “six-seven” — as its 2025 Word of the Year. The numerical slang term exploded across social media this summer, becoming a viral expression among Gen Alpha users and confusing older generations who struggled to pin down its meaning.

The announcement highlights a growing shift in how online culture shapes modern language. Instead of a traditional word, this year’s winner is a number — a reflection of how internet slang continues to evolve in unpredictable and often ironic ways.

‘67’ Goes Viral: The Meaning Behind the Slang

According to Dictionary.com, searches for “67” surged more than sixfold between June and August 2025. The site’s editors noticed no similar spikes for other two-digit numbers, indicating something unique about this phrase’s viral moment.

But what does “67” actually mean? The answer is intentionally vague. Some use it to describe something “so-so” — not great, not terrible — like rating a day or mood at a 6 or 7 out of 10. Others use it sarcastically or as a playful non-response to confuse teachers, parents, or anyone over the age of 25.

Dictionary.com described it as “meaningless, ubiquitous, and nonsensical,” noting that its popularity captures the essence of “brainrot” culture — the ironic, overstimulated humor of young social media users constantly scrolling and remixing content. In short, “67” doesn’t mean one thing. Its power lies in how it means almost nothing.

Origin of the Trend: From Song to Slang

The phrase’s roots trace back to a 2025 TikTok trend centered around the song “Doot Doot (6 7)” by artist Skrilla. The song’s hypnotic beat and repetitive hook inspired endless meme edits, dance videos, and parody skits — quickly turning “six-seven” into a coded inside joke among Gen Alpha users.

From there, the number began to take on a life of its own, detached from the song entirely. Teen creators started inserting “67” into captions, comments, and even casual conversations, using it as shorthand for irony or ambivalence. By late summer, the slang had become so pervasive that Dictionary.com’s data scientists flagged it as one of the fastest-rising search terms of the year.

Cultural Impact and Linguistic Significance

The decision to crown “67” as the Word of the Year underscores a broader linguistic shift — one driven less by meaning and more by digital behavior. Experts say this reflects how Gen Alpha communicates in symbols, numbers, and context-dependent humor rather than strict dictionary definitions.

It also marks the first time a numeric expression has won the Word of the Year title, signaling how the boundaries between language and internet culture have blurred completely. Much like “rizz” and “mid” in previous years, “67” represents a generation’s shared in-joke turned mainstream phenomenon.

Ultimately, “67” is more than a meme — it’s a snapshot of the internet’s evolving influence on language. Whether it means “so-so,” “maybe,” or simply nothing at all, its rise shows how numbers, like words, can capture the spirit of a digital generation.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What does 67 mean in slang?

It loosely means “so-so” or “maybe this, maybe that,” but younger users often use it ironically or meaninglessly.

Q2: Why did Dictionary.com choose 67 as Word of the Year?

It became one of the fastest-growing search terms of 2025 and represented a viral cultural shift among Gen Alpha users.

Q3: Where did 67 come from?

The slang originated from the 2025 TikTok song “Doot Doot (6 7)” by Skrilla and spread through meme culture.

Q4: How do people use 67 online?

It’s often used as a sarcastic or meaningless response, sometimes to frustrate adults or express indifference.

Q5: Is 67 officially recognized as a word?

Dictionary.com added it as a slang term for 2025 due to its cultural impact and widespread online use.