Dictionary.com’s Word of the Year: ‘Six-Seven
“Six-Seven” Named Dictionary.com’s 2023 Word of the Year
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The phrase, popular among Gen Alpha, gained viral attention for its intentionally ambiguous meaning and unique pronunciation.
Published: October 30, 2023, 18:38:54
What is “Six-Seven”?
Dictionary.com has declared “six-seven” – emphatically pronounced as “six-seven” and *not* “sixty-seven” – as its 2023 Word of the Year. The phrase, originating as slang among Generation Alpha (those born roughly between 2010 and 2024), gained widespread recognition this year through social media and even mainstream media appearances.
Despite its popularity, the meaning of “six-seven” remains deliberately vague. dictionary.com itself admitted it wasn’t entirely sure of its origin, noting that its definition is fluid and dependent on context, tone, and a degree of absurdity.Victorian Premier Jacinta Allen even publicly acknowledged the phrase’s lack of inherent meaning during a press conference earlier this month as reported by ABC News.
The phrase is frequently enough accompanied by an up-and-down hand motion, further adding to its enigmatic nature. Gen Alpha users appear to enjoy the confusion it causes among older generations.
Dictionary.com suggests the phrase may have originated with the song “Doot Doot (6 7)” by US rapper Skrilla available on YouTube. However, the exact path to its current viral status remains somewhat unclear.
The phrase’s rise to prominence was fueled by its spread through schools and social media platforms like TikTok. It even garnered attention from the animated television series South Park,indicating its entry into broader cultural awareness. The phrase’s ambiguity lends itself to a wide range of interpretations, making it adaptable and shareable.
Competition for Word of the Year
“Six-seven” faced strong competition from other contenders for Dictionary.com’s Word of the Year title. Shortlisted terms included “broligarchy” (referring to a perceived dominance of brothers), “gen Z stare” (a blank, unblinking gaze), and the dynamite emoji 💥.
The dynamite emoji saw a surge in usage online, notably in connection with the engagement of pop superstar Taylor swift and American football player travis Kelce, becoming shorthand for the couple nicknamed “TNT” as reported by Today.com.
Why “Six-Seven” Matters
The selection of “six-seven” as Word of the Year highlights the evolving nature of language and the influence of younger generations on cultural trends. It demonstrates how slang can emerge rapidly online and quickly permeate mainstream consciousness,even without a fixed definition.
This trend underscores the importance of understanding the nuances of Gen Alpha’s communication style and the role of ambiguity and irony in their online interactions. the phrase serves as a reminder that language is constantly changing and adapting to new social contexts.