"67" Crowned 2025 Word of the Year: The Viral Meme That Captured Gen Alpha

In a move that has surprised many, Dictionary.com has announced the number "67" as its 2025 Word of the Year. The decision reflects the growing influence of internet culture, where memes and shared experiences have become a new form of emotional expression.

The story of "67" began last year, when it appeared as a throwaway lyric in the song "Doot Doot" by rapper Skrilla. The phrase "6-7, I just bipped right on the highway" quickly took on a life of its own, becoming a viral sensation across TikTok. Millions of users began incorporating "67" into memes, remixes, and reaction videos, connecting it to NBA star LaMelo Ball's height of six feet seven inches.

What started as a meaningless number has now become a symbol of belonging and inside humor among Gen Alpha. Teachers report students shouting "six" and waiting for the class to yell "seven" in reply, while some have even tried to harness the trend as a classroom management tactic. The rise of "67" has turned classrooms into unexpected battlegrounds, with some educators banning the number altogether due to the distraction it causes.

However, others have embraced the meme, using it as a way to connect with their students and teach lessons on digital culture and media literacy. The phenomenon highlights how language and expression are evolving in the digital age, where a phrase does not need to make sense to go viral – it only needs to evoke a reaction.