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'6-7' Is Dictionary.com's Word of the Year as Kids' Chant Starts to Cool

The nonsensical call-and-response grew from Skrilla’s track tied to LaMelo Ball clips, boosted by a Kentucky high schooler’s viral posts.

Overview

  • Dictionary.com cites a more than sixfold surge in searches since June in naming “6-7” its Word of the Year.
  • Reporting traces the modern breakout to Skrilla’s 2024 song “Doot Doot (6 7)” and highlight videos of 6-foot-7 NBA guard LaMelo Ball.
  • Newport, Kentucky guard Taylen Kinney amplified the phrase in widely shared clips and later launched 6 7–branded merchandise.
  • The chant functions as a call-and-response with a juggling-like hand motion and is used mainly for playful effect rather than meaning.
  • Lifestyle coverage notes schools have seen disruptions and suggests the craze may be ebbing as adults adopt the meme.