Dictionary.com chose “67” as the Word of the Year for 2025. These choices act as a linguistic snapshot of social trends and global events that defined the year. More than just popular usage, the Word of the Year reveals the stories we tell about ourselves and the evolution we experience along the way.
A notable spike in searches for ’67’ began in the summer of 2025; since June, the search term has been looked up over six times more often, and the increase is still ongoing. The question is: What is driving this dramatic surge?
Based on an analysis of major data sources, including news, social media trends, and search results, the word experts selected 67 for its widespread impact both online and in everyday conversation.
The use of ’67’ likely stems from Skrilla’s song, ‘Doot Doot (6 7).’ While various written forms, such as 6 7, 6-7, or six-seven exist, it must always be read as ‘six seven,’ not ‘sixty-seven.’ Viral TikToks, especially those featuring basketball players and the boy known as the 67 Kid, helped launch the term into broader culture.
Ironically, the meaning of 67 is anything but clear. Some interpret it as “so so” or “maybe this, maybe that,” an idea paired with its familiar alternating palms-up gesture. Many kids use 67 as a reply to almost anything, a reliable way to irritate adults. A well-timed 67 has even become a kind of status marker for how cool someone is.
In truth, 67 is impossible to define. Its lack of meaning gives it all the signature traits of brain-rot language. As a rising generation joins the global conversation, 67 shows just how quickly a new word can spread around the world.
