So pull your calculator out and start punching in numbers, because Dictionary.com has made “67” its official Word of the Year for 2025. The phrase, pronounced “six-seven”, has caught fire as one of the most popular phrases from Gen Z. Yet, where this legendary tale came from is unknown, even deepening its mystique and intrigue.
“Satisfactory” is the perfect euphemistic term—it’s a word that is conditional and can be read in many ways, sometimes signaling an ambivalent blow-off like “meh” or “this and that.” With a rich lore surrounding it, “67” exemplifies how rapidly new words can gain traction worldwide as young people engage in global conversations.
The word really took off after Skrilla dropped his 2024 campaign song “Doot Doot”. This catchy anthem played a huge part in leading it to viral stardom. NBA player LaMelo Ball is a big guy, measuring 6’ 7” tall. He’s personally connected to the term in question. Earlier this year, a boy dubbed “The 67 Kid” captured attention on social media by using the term during a youth basketball game.
As it gained popularity, among the other uses, teachers began to hear kids and teens using “67” more broadly. Parents have made the same observations all year long. This year’s selection is not just about taking advantage of a fad. It’s a lexicographer’s time machine, a fascinating snapshot of the social changes and world happenings that have shaped the year.
Steve Johnson, Ph.D., a linguistics specialist in racial equity and inclusion, explained the importance of “67” as such. He noted that the term is “part inside joke, part social signal and part performance,” highlighting its multifaceted nature. To expand on that further, what Monty means by people saying “67,” is that they are not just talking about a meme. They’re not screaming an insult, they’re screaming an emotion.
Dictionary.com emphasized the term’s rapid ascent in popular culture, stating, “’67’ shows the speed at which a new word can rocket around the world as a rising generation enters the global conversation.” This fascinating phenomenon highlights the dynamic world of language and the ways in which youth today communicate.
Here’s a look at some of the most interesting terms from this year’s shortlist. Included in their list were “agnetic,” “aura farming,” “Gen Z stare,” “overtourism,” “tariff,” and “tradwife.” Each finalist reflects a dimension of contemporary life and societal shifts.
