In an unexpected twist, Dictionary.com has named “67” — yes, a number — as the Word of the Year for 2025. This quirky pick is more than just a numeral. It’s a symbol of Gen Z’s internet culture, a product of meme-driven slang, and a linguistic nod to how absurdist humour now dominates digital expression. The term is pronounced “six-seven” — never “sixty-seven” — and has no single clear meaning, but its viral spread across social platforms and gaming spaces has made it a shorthand for an emotion, a vibe, or a punchline.
Why “67”?
Origins and Pop Culture Roots
- Linked to Skrilla’s 2024 track “Doot Doot (6 7)”
- Possibly connected to NBA star LaMelo Ball, who stands 6 feet 7 inches tall
- Popularised by a viral figure known as “The 67 Kid”, after a youth basketball video spread online
Usage Among Youth
- Teens and tweens began casually dropping “67” into conversations
- Typically used to express a so-so, maybe this, maybe that feeling — part shrug, part meme
- Functions as a performative slang — part inside joke, part social signal, part reaction
What Is Brainrot Slang?
- “67” falls under the category of brainrot slang — an internet trend where phrases are intentionally absurd, contextless, and funny only because of their randomness
- This style of slang reflects a larger trend: online youth culture rejects meaning for vibe
- Saying “67” is less about clarity and more about belonging, humour, and online performance
Why It Was Chosen
- Dictionary.com called it a “linguistic time capsule” of 2025
- Mentions of “67” surged in digital media, increasing sixfold in October 2025 compared to all of 2024
- First time a Word of the Year is more interjection than word — used to shout a feeling, not define a concept
What It Means for Language & Culture
- Shows how numbers, memes, and emotions are blending in modern slang
- Indicates a shift in what “words” even mean today — contextless, spontaneous expressions are gaining ground
- Demonstrates the creative chaos of youth language, where meaning is secondary to performance and presence
- Reflects a deeper trend where words evolve in real time, shaped by TikTok, gaming, and viral content