Dictionary.com has chosen “6-7,” a term characterized as “classic brainrot slang” and “purposefully nonsensical,” as its Word of the Year for 2025, igniting discussions among linguists and language enthusiasts about the evolution of the English language. While some critics argue that this choice signifies a decline in linguistic standards, others believe it represents a dynamic growth in how young people communicate.
Linguist Nicole Rosen, head of the linguistics department at the University of Manitoba, posits that the inclusion of “6-7” in the lexicon should not be viewed as erosion. Instead, she argues that adding new expressions illustrates the living nature of language. “If you’re adding something [to language], how can that be eroding?” she explains, emphasizing that language adapts to embody cultural shifts and social connections.
The term “6-7” is described by Dictionary.com as “meaningless, ubiquitous, and nonsensical,” but linguists suggest that its perceived emptiness saturates it with social significance. Ai Taniguchi, a linguistics professor at the University of Toronto Mississauga, highlights that language conveys identity and belonging, adding, “It’s not really used to communicate anything literal as much as you’re indicating an in-group status with other people.”
Much like previous slang terms such as “420,” which emerged from marijuana culture, “6-7” allows users, especially youth, to bond over shared experiences and identity. Kelly Elizabeth Wright, editor of the Among the New Words section of the journal American Speech, noted that this trend’s visibility across digital platforms enables rapid engagement among younger audiences. However, increased popularity might lead to a decline in its exclusive appeal, as social cachet often diminishes when slang becomes commonplace.
The linguistic discourse surrounding “6-7” and similar trends sheds light on broader societal shifts. Ben Zimmer, chair of the American Dialect Society (ADS) New Words Committee, asserts that the exercise of naming a Word of the Year provides insight into cultural conversations and the evolving nature of communication. He anticipates that words related to artificial intelligence may emerge as significant in upcoming nominations.
Taniguchi hopes that discussions surrounding the word of the year can foster curiosity and encourage conversations about diverse languages and cultures. By reflecting on these shifts in language, we can better understand the world and each other, ultimately celebrating the rich tapestry of communication that humans share.