‘67’—pronounced “six seven”—is the inescapable plague amongst our peers. These two numbers were named Dictionary.com’s 2025 word of the year, despite not possessing a definite meaning.
Whether you have been on social media or not, it’s more than likely that you’ve heard the two numbers constantly referenced and laughed at everywhere you go. On social media, I have scrolled past countless people making the ‘67’ hand motions and also uncanny references to the numbers. In the classroom, my classmates collectively break into laughter whenever the two numbers are used in any situation or problem and my peers always find a way to include the two numbers for a quick joke.
I have had my fair share of laughs with this widespread meme, but is it worthy to be crowned the title of word of the year? My answer is yes. According to Dictionary.com, their goal with selecting word of the year is to recognize pivotal moments in language and culture, and ‘67’ is just that.
‘67’ can be used in almost any situation—whether you are asked quantitative questions, such as how many objects are present or just saying the number for fun. It is widely influential, reaching just about every social media influencer and peer alike, and I like how it can quickly unite everyone for a quick laugh. It reflects how today’s humor is more characterized by inside jokes rather than rooted in narratives. If I am ever having a bad day, hearing a ‘67’ joke can quickly lighten my mood. However, I do feel that usage of the phrase should only be in the right and appropriate situations, as it can be disruptive and annoying in situations such as serious conversations or lectures.
The two numbers originate from the song, “Doot Doot” by rapper Skrilla, which emphasizes the two numbers. The sound then generated popularity on platforms such as TikTok and also came to be associated with the Charlotte Hornets point guard LaMelo Ball. The actual meme itself became widespread when a TikTok video, meshing “Doot Doot” with an NBA announcer’s comment on LaMelo’s height being six feet seven inches tall, gained traction.
Some people might find the meme nonsensical, but the two numbers’ ability to connect millions despite its absurdity proves its impact. Jokes like these pertaining to the skyrocket of ‘brainrot’ humor are to show how communication and humor are constantly evolving. Some other examples are ‘skibidi’ and Italian brainrot characters. The shared references and creative usages of words being made function almost like a separate language of their own.
There have been past memes involving numbers such as ‘9+10=21,’ but none of them have lasted as long as ‘67.’ I feel like as long as it is not causing any harm, ‘67’ is a unifying number that reflects the way our generation is progressing.
