The Rise of “6-7” in Youth Slang
In the ever-evolving world of youth slang, a new term has emerged that is quickly gaining traction among younger generations: “6-7.” This phrase, often written as “67” but pronounced “six seven,” has become a part of the vernacular for many teens and pre-teens. It’s typically accompanied by a specific hand motion—alternating between lifting hands with palms up, resembling a juggling or weighing motion.
The origins of this slang can be traced back to the internet, where it has found a home among online communities and social media platforms. While the exact origin is unclear, some credit LaMelo Ball, a player for the Charlotte Hornets, and rapper Skrilla for popularizing the term. In his December 2024 song “Doot Doot (6 7),” Skrilla references the term, saying, “6-7, I just bipped right on the highway.”
This song was soon used in fan-made videos that compiled clips of Ball, who stands at an NBA average height of 6’7”. His unique style and presence on the court have contributed to the meme’s popularity. According to Bleacher Report, Ball’s flashy playstyle has helped propel the term into the mainstream.
Understanding the Meaning Behind “6-7”
Despite its growing popularity, the meaning of “6-7” remains somewhat ambiguous. Some interpret it as a way to describe an average performance or situation, especially given Ball’s reputation for inconsistent play. However, for many teenagers, the term has taken on a more general usage. It might be used to express anything from the time of day to how their day went, what they want for dinner, or even why they didn’t complete their chores.
TikTok creator Mr. Lindsay has noted that there seems to be no circumstance where a kid might not say, “six seven.” In fact, some teenagers questioned by Nexstar admitted they weren’t entirely sure why they were using the term. This lack of clarity has led to a wide range of interpretations, making “6-7” a versatile yet vague expression.
The Evolution of “6-7”
As with many slang terms, “6-7” is evolving. According to Mr. Lindsay, the term is being combined with another popular slang term: “sendy.” You may already be familiar with “sendy,” or its longer form, “send it.” This phrase has been used in various contexts, such as when someone attempts to rollerblade over a rickety wooden ramp or sends a risky text to a crush.
“Sendy” has entered the youth lexicon through a viral video where one person responds, “Let’s get sendy” after another says, “There’s no commandment that says thou shall not send it.” This phrase comes with its own hand motion, where the speaker pretends to take a shot. As Mr. Lindsay explains, any objection could be used to complete this motion, not exclusively a beverage.
Combining “6-7” and “sendy” may sound like “six-sendy” or “6-7endy.” However, like “6-7,” it has hardly any specific meaning. Despite this, the phrase continues to gain traction among younger audiences.
The Cultural Impact of “6-7”
For some, “6-7” holds more significance than others. Taylen Kinney, a 17-year-old highly ranked basketball player, has become known for using the term in response to almost any question. For example, when asked to rank his Starbucks drink, he responded with “6-7.” Several videos of Kinney using the slang have garnered attention, leading to the launch of a canned water brand called “6 7” water.
While it’s too soon to predict the future of the phrase, “6-7” may follow in the footsteps of other slang terms like “skibidi” and “delulu,” which have been added to the Cambridge Dictionary. If the trend continues, there’s a chance “6-7” could earn a spot in an online dictionary as well.
As the term continues to evolve, it’s clear that “6-7” has become more than just a simple phrase—it’s a cultural phenomenon that reflects the ever-changing landscape of youth language. Whether it will stand the test of time remains to be seen, but for now, it’s here to stay.
