The phenomenon known as “six-seven,” where children exclaim the phrase in reference to the consecutive numbers six and seven, has recently experienced a surge in popularity, particularly among middle schoolers during the fall. This trend, reminiscent of childlore—cultural expressions unique to children—became prevalent in the spring through various online platforms, but it now appears to be waning as the holiday season approaches.
For many kids, such as my own 11-year-old, six-seven had its moment in the sun but has since become a source of derision. The fleeting nature of this expression is not uncommon in the world of youth culture, where trends can come and go with remarkable speed. In fact, children have a tendency to embrace or reject ideas based on collective sentiment, particularly when it comes to what their parents and adults embrace. The decline of six-seven seems to align with a growing number of parents and brands adopting the phrase, rendering it less appealing to kids who often seek to differentiate their culture from that of adults.
Childlore thrives in an environment where its origins are obscure, creating a sense of mystery around the behaviors and phrases that children adopt. Comparing six-seven to other forms of childlore—such as jump-rope rhymes or mythical playground rituals—illustrates a shared tradition that remains largely unexplained but deeply ingrained within youthful culture. This lore allows children to forge connections and build a unique community, even as adults often seek to dissect and understand these cultural trends.
The survival of such trends often depends on their form and function. Unlike physical demonstrations of childlore, like crafting folded notes or bubble handwriting, six-seven is simply a vocal expression devoid of deeper meaning, making it easy to adopt but also easy to discard. Its transitory nature has made it susceptible to external influences and dilution, particularly from online culture and the parents that grew up with their own memes and fads.
As six-seven fades, children seem to be finding alternative expressions; reports suggest that “41” is emerging as another viral phrase among peers, hinting at a new trend in childlore. While the end of six-seven elicits a sense of nostalgia, it also opens a door for new forms of expression—reflecting the ever-evolving landscape of childhood.
The cycle of childlore remains a resilient and dynamic part of growing up, though it may feel increasingly fragile. Each new phrase, game, or trend offers an opportunity for kids to connect with one another in meaningful ways, even as they navigate the complexities of peer culture and adult influence. This constant change, while sometimes bittersweet, underscores the vibrancy and creativity inherent in childhood.