What is 6-7 and why is it this year’s word of the year?
Dictionary.com startled many readers by naming 6-7 as its Word of the Year. Yes, you read that right: a number–symbol combo that has become a viral catchphrase among teens. It isn’t a traditional dictionary entry with a defined pronunciation and clear etymology. Instead, it’s a cultural moment—a term that spread through social media, memes, and online chats, symbolizing a mood, a reaction, or an inside joke.
The meaning behind the digits
At first glance, 6-7 appears to be just two numbers. The magic, however, lies in how it’s used. In many online contexts, 6-7 functions as a playful shrug, an expression of disbelief, or a nod to something being mildly ridiculous. Users might caption a clip of someone fumbling or laughing with a “6-7” to communicate “that’s chaotic but somehow funny.” The term has also morphed into a broader shorthand for things that are perplexing, chaotic, or perfectly imperfect.
Ways people use the term
- As a reaction: A quick “6-7” can respond to a surprising or awkward moment in a video or comment thread.
- As a mood descriptor: It signals a vibe that’s not quite serious, perhaps a blend of amusement and confusion.
- As a joke: In memes, 6-7 is often paired with exaggerated facial expressions or slapstick scenarios to heighten humor.
Origins and spread
The exact origin of 6-7 is hard to pin down, which is typical for modern viral slang. Cultural currents—short-form videos, fast-paced chat apps, and remix culture—help memes bloom overnight. Once a handful of creators used 6-7 in a clip, viewers started adopting it, reusing the tag across formats, from TikTok stitches to Instagram reels and comment threads. In this sense, 6-7 mirrors other digital-era expressions: it’s less about a fixed dictionary definition and more about a shared social signal that evolves with the community.
What Dictionary.com’s choice says about language today
Choosing 6-7 as Word of the Year signals a shift in how we understand “words.” The modern lexicon increasingly includes phrases, memes, and emoji-laden shorthand that convey nuanced social meaning rather than precise lexical categories. Dictionary.com’s pick reflects the power of digital vernacular to shape how people communicate feelings, not just facts. It acknowledges that meaning now travels faster in visual and affectionate forms than in formal definitions.
How to use 6-7 in everyday conversation
If you want to join the trend (or at least understand it when you see it online), here are practical tips:
- Use 6-7 as a lighthearted response to a surprising moment in videos or chats.
- Pair it with a short caption that captures the vibe—funny, chaotic, or perplexing.
- Don’t force it into serious discussions; it’s a social signal for playful moments, not formal communication.
The future of 6-7 and language evolution
As with many internet-created terms, 6-7’s longevity will depend on whether it becomes a sustained cultural reference or fades as new memes rise. But for now, it serves as a reminder that language is a living, breathing thing—constantly updated by the people who use it. Dictionary.com’s Word of the Year choice captures a snapshot of how a simple numeric expression can carry mood, humor, and shared understanding across a vast digital landscape.
