Are you struggling to make sense of the latest slang, specifically ‘6-7’? If the meaning, origin, and overall vibe of Dictionary.com’s 2025 word of the year have you scratching your head, you’re not alone. This new term, adopted by Generation Alpha, highlights the ever-evolving nature of language and the growing generational gap in communication.
Slang has always been a way for younger generations to carve out their unique identities, and ‘6-7’ is the latest example from Gen Alpha, taking the linguistic baton from Gen Z. While Millennials brought us terms like ‘bae’, ‘fam’, and ‘lit’, and Gen Z contributed ‘stan’, ‘cap’, and ‘bussin’, Gen Alpha is now making its mark. The oldest Gen Z individuals are nearing 30, and Gen Alpha is just entering their teens, signaling a natural progression in slang and communication styles.
Dictionary.com defines ‘6-7’ as “a viral, ambiguous slang term that has waffled its way through Gen Alpha social media and school hallways.” While some interpret it as ‘so-so’ or ‘maybe,’ often accompanied by a specific hand gesture, its true meaning remains somewhat fluid and open to interpretation.
What Does ‘6-7’ Really Mean?
According to Gunjan Anand, a facilitator and strategic soft skills coach, the rise of ‘6-7’ is indicative of how Gen Alpha curates their identities, both online and offline. “Language is an ever-evolving means to communicate,” she explains. “The inclusion of ‘67’ in mainstream dictionary indicates the linguistic innovation of Gen Alpha using visual storytelling and technology. It’s a generation born and raised in age of social media and AI, which shapes their collective identity. It acknowledges the youth-led digital spaces as authentic hubs of cultural innovation.”
Anand further elaborates on the communication shift across generations: Millennials favored text-based communication, while Gen Z embraced visual elements like emojis and memes. Gen Alpha, however, is immersed in AI-driven and multisensory digital worlds, making their communication more layered and visual, often transcending static self-descriptions through filters and avatars.
The Journey of ‘6-7’
The slang term ‘6-7′ can be traced back to American rapper Skrilla’s song “Doot Doot (6 7)”. Its popularity surged when edits of NBA player LaMelo Ball, who is 6’7″ tall, featured the track. The accompanying hand gesture gained traction, possibly popularized by Taylor Kinney. In March 2025, internet personality Cam Wilder’s YouTube video featuring a child using the term and gesture cemented its viral status, turning the child into the unofficial ’67 kid’ and making ‘6-7’ a recognized piece of internet culture.
Ultimately, ‘6-7’ signifies more than just a new slang word; it represents a generational evolution in how young people express themselves in an increasingly digital and visual world.