Dictionary.com’s Word of the Year 2025 has left the internet divided — and amused. In a bizarre yet telling reflection of modern culture, the chosen “word” isn’t a word at all but simply “67.” The announcement has triggered waves of disbelief and humour online, with many calling it a perfect symbol of the chaotic, meme-driven digital age.
‘67’ Becomes Word of the Year 2025
Dictionary.com has announced its Word of the Year for 2025, and the choice has left the internet both amused and confused. The word — or rather, number — is “67”, pronounced six seven, not sixty-seven.
The viral expression, popular among Gen Alpha, has spread across social media platforms and classrooms. Strangely, the number doesn’t mean anything specific — yet it has become one of the most-used slang terms of the year.
A Viral Phenomenon With No Meaning
Teachers and parents have reported students shouting “67” randomly during classes. Most of them don’t even know what it means or where it came from. Steve Johnson, Director of Lexicography for the Dictionary Media Group at IXL Learning, told CBS News that the word’s widespread use led to its selection.
“Something that you would have thought would have gone away, it just kept on growing larger and larger, snowballing into kind of like a cultural phenomenon,” Johnson said. He even revealed that a teacher friend begged him not to pick “six seven” as the word of the year, which, ironically, convinced him otherwise.
“Do not make six seven word of the year,” his friend warned, but Johnson said that call “sent him in the opposite direction.”
What Does 67 Mean: Hand Gesture and ‘In-Group’ Meaning
According to Dictionary.com, “67” is often used with a hand gesture — both palms facing up, moving alternately up and down.
The slang doesn’t have a concrete meaning, though some interpret it as describing something “so-so” or uncertain. More importantly, it signals belonging to a certain group or generation.
“It’s something that’s used to show, ‘I’m part of this generation. This is who I am.’ It’s kind of like an in-group joke,” Johnson added.
Origin of 67: From Rap Song to Meme Culture
The term’s roots trace back to rapper Skrilla’s song “Doot Doot (6 7)”, which became a meme on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. The track was often used over clips of NBA players like LaMelo Ball, who happens to be 6 feet 7 inches tall.
From there, “67” spread quickly online, symbolizing mediocrity or playful teasing — especially in sports memes mocking underperforming athletes. The trend later appeared in a “South Park” episode, giving it another viral boost.
Some teachers have reportedly banned students from saying “67” in classrooms, as it repeatedly disrupts lessons. One eighth-grade teacher shared on Reddit,
“You can’t say the two numbers in a row without the class bursting out in a chorus of 67.”
Internet Reactions: Confusion and Concern
The announcement has triggered a storm of reactions on social media. Many users mocked Dictionary.com’s choice, while others saw it as a reflection of modern culture’s decline. “I’ve lost hope for future generations and for the future of mankind,” one user wrote on X. Critics argue that choosing a meaningless word represents how digital culture now defines language — not by meaning, but by virality.
Symbol of the Meme Generation
While some view “67” as the collapse of linguistic meaning, others see it as a symbol of a new, hyper-connected generation that communicates through memes, trends, and inside jokes.
As Johnson put it, “67” represents more than nonsense — it shows how language evolves in real-time through internet culture. Whether it’s genius or absurd, one thing is clear — “67” has defined how Gen Alpha talks, laughs, and belongs in 2025.
