The dictionary just introduced its Word of the Year, leaving many scratching their heads.
Dictionary.com named “6-7” as the Word of the Year, despite admitting they don’t really know what it means.
“Don’t worry, because we’re all still trying to figure out exactly what it means,” the site said in its odd announcement. “It’s meaningless, ubiquitous, and nonsensical. Still, it remains meaningful to the people who use it because of the connection it fosters.”
The viral phrase blew up thanks to rapper Skrilla’s viral song “Doot Doot (6-7),” then snowballed when a kid screamed “6-7” in a TikTok while another juggled his hands. LaMelo Ball, who’s 6-foot-7, added to the mystery by popping up in clips using the sound. Searches for “6-7” skyrocketed this summer, and the trend shows no signs of stopping.
@espn #LaMeloBall said #67 is his new nickname 😅😭 #nba #basketball #funny
Some online explain “6-7” as being slang for “maybe this, maybe that.” Merriam-Webster chimed in, calling it “a nonsensical expression used especially by teens and tweens.”
While kids who are online may find this funny, older adults and educators who have long regarded the dictionary as a literary bible of sorts aren’t exactly amused. If anything, the term and its Dictionary.com cosign have left a trail of confusion.
