Dictionary.com's foray into naming "Six-seven" as its Word of the Year for 2025 has sparked a mixture of confusion and amusement among word enthusiasts. The term, which is essentially two numbers combined to create a nonsensical phrase, has become ubiquitous in digital media, appearing six times more frequently in October 2025 than it did in any previous month.
While some might see this choice as an attempt by Dictionary.com to create buzz and generate attention, linguists argue that "Six-seven" captures the essence of the cultural zeitgeist for 2025. Dr. Steve Johnson, Director of Lexicography at IXL Learning, describes the term as a modern shibboleth, a social signal that conveys a feeling rather than having a clear meaning.
The origins and definitions of "Six-seven" are still unclear, with some attributing it to a Skrilla song or a meme referencing LaMelo Ball. This ambiguity only adds to the term's mystique and appeal, making it an endlessly remixable concept that embodies absurdity.
In retrospect, Dictionary.com's decision to name "Six-seven" as its Word of the Year seems more like a publicity stunt than a genuine linguistic discovery. The publication's shortlist for other contenders included more substantial words like "agentic," "clanker," and "broligarchy," which are likely to have more staying power in the language.
Despite this, Dictionary.com has successfully generated attention and headlines with its unorthodox choice, cementing its place as a thought-provoking – if not always accurate – snapshot of the cultural landscape.
While some might see this choice as an attempt by Dictionary.com to create buzz and generate attention, linguists argue that "Six-seven" captures the essence of the cultural zeitgeist for 2025. Dr. Steve Johnson, Director of Lexicography at IXL Learning, describes the term as a modern shibboleth, a social signal that conveys a feeling rather than having a clear meaning.
The origins and definitions of "Six-seven" are still unclear, with some attributing it to a Skrilla song or a meme referencing LaMelo Ball. This ambiguity only adds to the term's mystique and appeal, making it an endlessly remixable concept that embodies absurdity.
In retrospect, Dictionary.com's decision to name "Six-seven" as its Word of the Year seems more like a publicity stunt than a genuine linguistic discovery. The publication's shortlist for other contenders included more substantial words like "agentic," "clanker," and "broligarchy," which are likely to have more staying power in the language.
Despite this, Dictionary.com has successfully generated attention and headlines with its unorthodox choice, cementing its place as a thought-provoking – if not always accurate – snapshot of the cultural landscape.
! I mean, who comes up with this stuff? It's just two numbers stuck together and suddenly it's Word of the Year? 
I'm not mad at Dictionary.com for trying to create buzz, but I do think they could've gone with something a bit more meaningful 
Like, it's become its own meme or something.
. Still, it's been fun to watch the reaction and see how people are using it in all sorts of silly ways 
... but still, "agentic" and "clanker" would've been way more meaningful 
. Anyway, speaking of weird stuff... have you tried that new coffee shop downtown? I heard their cold brew is 
But nope, Dictionary.com goes and picks a phrase that's literally just two numbers slapped together. It's like they're trying to be ironic or something... 
and honestly, who needs a word that actually makes sense when you can have one that's just gonna spark conversations and memes? 
it's def not going to win any linguistic awards or anything, but hey, free publicity is free publicity 
. The thing is, people love a good meme, and this term has become a modern meme factory 
.
It's like they threw two numbers at a wall and hoped something would stick 
and I'm here for it 
. And hey, who knows? Maybe six-seven will become a thing