Introduction: A Nonword That Took the Internet by Storm
Dictionary.com’s 2023 “word of the year” caused more eye rolls than history lessons. Instead of a traditional lexeme, the site crowned a viral refrain: the numbers 6-7. If you’ve heard teenagers giggling and muttering “6-7” at school, you’re not alone. This isn’t a classic dictionary entry built on etymology and deep usage; it’s a modern meme—a phrase whose humor comes from context, cadence, and shared social moments. Here’s what 6-7 is, how it spread, and what it says about language in the age of short-form videos and online communities.
What Exactly Is “6-7”?
At its core, 6-7 is not a standard word with a fixed meaning. It’s a viral utterance that teens use in playful, ironic, and unserious ways. The humor often stems from the rhythm—when spoken aloud it lands as a staccato bounce that signals a joke, a deflection, or a moment of disbelief. In many memes and clips, 6-7 serves as a punchline or a nonchalant response to something surprising, awkward, or perceived as exaggerated. Because it isn’t tied to a single definition, its meaning shifts with the moment and the people delivering it.
How the Phrase Gained Traction
The rise of 6-7 mirrors how memes travel today: short videos, quick captions, and a culture that rewards inside jokes. TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts—where teens and young adults spend hours—provide a perfect stage for rhythmic phrases to catch on. A clip showing a joke setup that ends with a rapid “6-7” can feel satisfying and contagious, prompting others to imitate the cadence in their own videos. Unlike a traditional vocabulary entry, 6-7 grows through user-generated content, remixing, and the social feedback loop of likes, comments, and shares.
Why Dictionary.com Chose It as Word of the Year
Dictionary.com’s word-of-the-year selections typically highlight a concept that captures the year’s cultural moment. With 6-7, the editors signaled a shift in language from formal, static definitions to dynamic, in-motion slang that travels primarily through social media. The choice isn’t about a dictionary definition; it’s a nod to how language mutates in real time when communities gather online to play, improvise, and joke around. It also reflects the growing recognition that memes, sound bites, and viral phrases are genuine language acts—complete with audience interpretation and shared humor.
What It Means for Everyday Language
For readers who aren’t part of the meme ecosystem, 6-7 may feel perplexing at first glance. The takeaway is simple: language evolves through use, especially in youth communities that constantly experiment with sound and timing. The rise of 6-7 underscores a broader trend: memes and viral phrases increasingly influence how people communicate, even beyond online spaces—think classrooms, group chats, and workplace chat rooms. The phrase is a reminder that meaning can be as much about social context as about fixed dictionary entries.
Tips for Adults Navigating the Meme Landscape
- Ask questions with curiosity rather than judgment. A quick, light inquiry can bridge age gaps in understanding and reduce misunderstandings.
- Recognize that some slang exists primarily for social bonding. It’s often not essential to “decode” every meme, but understanding the vibe can help in conversations.
- Use memes sparingly in professional settings. If unsure, default to clear, respectful communication and avoid overusing trending phrases.
Bottom Line: 6-7 as a Cultural Snapshot
While 6-7 isn’t a traditional dictionary word, its status as Dictionary.com’s word of the year captures how quickly meaning can emerge from playful online culture. It’s less about a fixed definition and more about a communal rhythm—the way a simple pause or burst of sound can signal a joke, an agreement, or a moment of shared amusement. As long as online communities continue to remix language for humor and connection, phrases like 6-7 will keep evolving, reflecting the creative undercurrents of youth culture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is 6-7 a real word? A: No. It’s a viral phrase with no fixed dictionary definition, carried by context and meme culture.
Q: Will 6-7 stick around? A: It may wax and wane with trends, but the meme’s influence on how people speak in casual settings could endure in some circles.
Q: How should I respond to 6-7? A: If you’re unsure, lean into curiosity. A light, playful response can keep conversations friendly and inclusive.
