Dictionary.com has declared “67” as the word of the year for 2025, describing it as a form of brainrot slang that is intentionally nonsensical and revolves around embracing absurdity. This term, also represented as “6-7” or “six-seven,” is commonly used to convey a sense of uncertainty, mediocrity, or even silence.
The origin of the term remains somewhat ambiguous, with potential connections to the 2024 song “Doot Doot (6 7)” by Skrilla and viral video edits featuring NBA player LaMelo Ball, who stands at six feet seven inches tall. Despite its numerical nature, the designation of “67” as the word of the year has sparked confusion and criticism online, with some questioning its validity as a word.
Steve Johnson, the director of lexicography for the Dictionary Media Group, defended the choice by highlighting how “67” encapsulates the prevailing brainrot culture of 2025, serving as a blend of an inside joke, social cue, and performance. The term has gained significant traction on social media platforms, with videos showcasing elaborate handshakes spelling out “6-7,” teachers incorporating it into their teaching, and even restaurants celebrating order number “6-7.”
The popularity of “6-7” surged in 2025, with a drastic increase in its digital media mentions compared to the previous year. TikTok recorded over two million posts featuring the hashtag #67 in the past year, indicating a notable surge in usage recently. Among other contenders, such as “aura farming,” “Gen Z stare,” “tariff,” and “tradwife,” “67” stood out as the epitome of the linguistic trends shaping 2025.