Professor Kristen Syrett shared her insights on the rise of “6-7” in a recent interview exploring how a phrase with no clear definition became Dictionary.com’s word of the year. The post looks at the sudden popularity of this inside joke among teens and tweens, and how it grew from scattered internet clips into a cultural phenomenon. While “6-7” may not function like a traditional word, Dr. Syrett explains that its power comes from its role as a social signal, especially when paired with its recognizable hand gesture.
She notes that the appeal of the phrase is rooted in its ambiguity. Much like youth catchphrases from previous decades, its meaning lies less in semantics and more in its ability to mark belonging within a generation. Professor Syrett also places 6-7 within a broader shift in how “words of the year” are chosen, with modern selections often reflecting cultural moments rather than standard vocabulary.
By tracing the phrase’s origins across music, sports videos, and viral online trends, Dr. Syrett highlights the convergence of influences that propelled “6-7” into widespread use. Ultimately, she emphasizes that its popularity reflects the creativity of younger speakers and the accelerating impact of digital culture on how language evolves today.