The '6-7' Meme: Annoying Yet Addictive, and Here's Why
The '6-7' phenomenon is driving teachers and parents crazy, but it's a hit with kids. Since the infamous '69', no number has caused such a stir. '6-7', pronounced 'six-seveeeeen', is the latest viral trend among Gen Alpha, echoing through school halls and classrooms. Kids shout it when a teacher turns to page 67, when lunch is almost ready, or just because.
It's a mind-boggling trend, as described by Gabe Dannenbring, a seventh-grade science teacher in South Dakota. The mere mention of the numbers 6 or 7 triggers a chorus of '6-7' from students. But what does it mean? Nothing, really. It's a joke without a punchline, a linguistic game that makes kids feel part of an exclusive club.
And this is where it gets intriguing: The phrase's appeal lies in its infinite interpretations and resistance to definition. Taylor Jones, a linguist and social scientist, suggests that this very ambiguity is what fascinates and frustrates people. The phrase originates from the chorus of 'Doot Doot (6 7)', a viral song by rapper Skrilla, possibly referencing the police code 10-67 for reporting a death.
The meme gained traction when basketball star Taylen Kinney created a gesture to accompany it. Soon, it infiltrated sports highlight reels and TikTok, with even NBA players like LaMelo Ball becoming associated with it. A video of an overexcited fan shouting '6-7' with the gesture became iconic, spawning the character 'Mason 67', an inside joke.
But here's the twist: Most kids don't even know its origin. Its meaninglessness is a result of 'semantic bleaching', where a phrase's original context is lost, as explained by Jones. Using '6-7' is about having fun and belonging. It's a shibboleth, a password to an exclusive group, and kids love it.
The phrase has outlived other internet slang, perhaps due to the backlash from adults. Its longevity may be fueled by the strong reactions it evokes. Teachers are divided; some ban it, while others embrace it to regain control. Dannenbring, a Gen Z teacher, understands its allure but also uses it incorrectly to end the fad.
Comedian Josh Pray is on a mission to reclaim the number, incorporating it into his videos. He jokes about becoming '67' and not wanting to be taunted by the phrase. Parents, fear not; this trend doesn't indicate brain rot. It's a normal part of language evolution, with each generation creating its own slang.
Linguists assure that such phrases are harmless and won't destroy the English language. However, their popularity may reflect our 'post-truth' society, where interpretation trumps meaning. Is '6-7' a symptom of this cultural shift? Only time will tell.
As quickly as it rose to fame, '6-7' may soon fade away. Some students are already rolling their eyes at it, and potential replacements like '41' are emerging. Dannenbring reflects that while '6-7' is annoying, past trends have led to more destructive behaviors. So, is this meme just a harmless fad, or does it reveal deeper societal trends? You decide.
