6-7: Gen Alpha's Linguistic Time Capsule for 2025
The exact beginnings of the phrase remain unclear, even to those who document language. "And now for the moment adults around the world have been waiting for: What does 67 mean? Well... it's complicated," Dictionary.com’s announcement read. People often use "6-7" as a noncommittal reply—similar to saying "maybe"—or simply as a whimsical, random answer. For example, when a parent asks, "How was school today?" the child might respond with "6-7!" while making a gesture with their hands moving up and down,
The popularity of "6-7" has spread well beyond online platforms. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman recently joined the trend by announcing that GPT-6 would be renamed GPT-6-7, and teachers have found it challenging to stop its use in schools. For instance, sixth-grade teacher Adria Laplander assigned 67-word essays to students who said the phrase, joking that repeated use could result in 670-word essays,
Language experts point out that "6-7" is a prime example of what Dictionary.com calls "brainrot slang"—deliberately silly expressions that quickly go viral online.
The phrase’s cultural impact lies in its use as a subtle form of rebellion. Clinical social worker Jessica Plonchak explained that Gen Alpha uses slang to create identity and a sense of community in a world shaped by adult rules and algorithms. "Its humor and ambiguity make it hard for outsiders to understand, which strengthens its role as a sign of belonging," she said. Even though it lacks a clear meaning, "6-7" has become a defining symbol of 2025. Dictionary.com’s recognition of the term highlights how language trends born online are increasingly influencing mainstream conversation. As Johnson observed, the phrase "embodies the playful, absurd, and connected energy of youth culture," representing a time when shared experiences matter more than precise definitions.
