Dictionary.com has chosen a surprisingly simple yet fascinating term to be its Word of the Year for 2025: '67'. This enigmatic number, pronounced as "six-seven", not "sixty-seven", has taken the online world by storm and has become a phenomenon.
According to Dictionary.com, '67' originated from classic brainrot slang, characterized by being nonsensical and absurd. However, its true roots are unclear, with some attributing it to popular culture such as Skrilla's 2024 song "Doot Doot (6 7)" or NBA player LaMelo Ball's height of 6 feet, 7 inches.
As the term gained traction, a young boy known as "The 67 Kid" went viral for using it in a youth basketball game. This is where '67' truly became a social signal, a performance that resonated with people on a deep level.
According to Steve Johnson, Ph.D., director of lexicography at Dictionary Media Group, when people say "67", they're not just repeating a meme; they're shouting a feeling. The term has become an interjection – a burst of energy that spreads and connects people before anyone agrees on its meaning.
Dictionary.com's analysis shows that '67' appeared in digital media six times more frequently in October than throughout all of 2024, indicating the speed at which new words can take over the global conversation. This phenomenon highlights how a rising generation is shaping language and culture.
While other terms like "magnetic", "aura farming", and "tradwife" were also finalists for Word of the Year, '67' stands out as a true representation of the times – its meaning shifting with each use, much like our society's ever-changing values.
According to Dictionary.com, '67' originated from classic brainrot slang, characterized by being nonsensical and absurd. However, its true roots are unclear, with some attributing it to popular culture such as Skrilla's 2024 song "Doot Doot (6 7)" or NBA player LaMelo Ball's height of 6 feet, 7 inches.
As the term gained traction, a young boy known as "The 67 Kid" went viral for using it in a youth basketball game. This is where '67' truly became a social signal, a performance that resonated with people on a deep level.
According to Steve Johnson, Ph.D., director of lexicography at Dictionary Media Group, when people say "67", they're not just repeating a meme; they're shouting a feeling. The term has become an interjection – a burst of energy that spreads and connects people before anyone agrees on its meaning.
Dictionary.com's analysis shows that '67' appeared in digital media six times more frequently in October than throughout all of 2024, indicating the speed at which new words can take over the global conversation. This phenomenon highlights how a rising generation is shaping language and culture.
While other terms like "magnetic", "aura farming", and "tradwife" were also finalists for Word of the Year, '67' stands out as a true representation of the times – its meaning shifting with each use, much like our society's ever-changing values.
It seems like we're living in a time where language is evolving at an incredible pace, and '67' is just the tip of the iceberg! 
. I'm loving how Dictionary.com is embracing its weirdness with this choice – it's like they're saying, "Hey, language is about connection and shared experience, not just rules and definitions" 
. And that Steve Johnson quote hit the nail on the head for me - when people say 67, they're not just repeating a meme, they're expressing something real 
. I'm excited to see where this term takes us next! 
– and I was like yeah, that makes sense. We're living in a time where words and meanings can change so fast, it's crazy how quickly '67' took off. But what's interesting is how it relates to our society and values 
. It's so interesting to see how language can take on a life of its own and shape culture. As someone who's all about layout and structure (
), I have to admit that I'm intrigued by the way '67' has become this fluid, ever-changing term 
.
but at the same time, it's also super relatable i feel like we're all just winging it and seeing where life takes us, you know? 
i mean, who else can make '67' go viral in a youth basketball game? 
anyway, i'm so here for this word of the year - it's like the ultimate representation of our chaotic, ever-changing world 
. What's next? 
Do you guys think this means we'll see more numbers getting recognized as words of the year? The possibilities are ENDLESS 
.
. I think they're stretching it a bit to say people are 'shouting a feeling' when they say 6-7... aren't they just shouting 'I have no idea what this means'? 
it makes total sense to me, like who can forget la melo balls height 
its not just a meme anymore, people are using it to express themselves 
. i love how dictionary com says its more than just saying a word, its a feeling 
and it shows how our language is changing and evolving every year 
. 67 might seem simple but its got so much depth to it, like it represents the uncertainty and chaos of today's world 
i mean it's just a number, but apparently it means something deep to some folks 
and now this "67" thing is like that for whoever's online now 
. like when u hear "67" and suddenly you're connected to like a million other people who are also thinking the same thing 
, and '67' is just the beginning 
.
!