What does 6-7 mean and why are kids saying it: A disappointing explanation for frustrated adults

It began as an internet craze and has since infected the vernacular of youth worldwide. So what does 6-7 actually mean?

For months, parents, teachers, and even people on the street have likely heard the shouting of the phrase 6-7, usually by youth.

If you haven’t heard it yet, it likely won’t be long before you do, as it continues to not only grow in popularity online, but in the real world.

When the phrase 6-7 is said, often with a melodic tone similar to a wolf whistle, hands are usually raised in the air, palms up, as the speaker imitates weighing things in either palm.

Videos online tagged with 6-7 have received millions and millions of views, and recently, became South Park official, delighting lovers of the phrase that is confusing millions.

WARNING: COURSE LANGUAGE

Slang words making waves with youth is by no means new, but this pandemic on the English language is different.

Words like phat (cool), lit (exciting) and rizz (charming flirting ability) have exploded in popularity over the years, with people over the age of 25 sometimes taking a little longer to come to terms with the slang’s meaning.

For those trying to understand 6-7, stop.

What does 6-7 mean?

The answer, which many struggle to come to terms with, is nothing.

It is a phrase that has caught on in popularity, both for the sheer enjoyment of saying the phrase and, as it appears, to frustrate those who struggle with the slang not making sense.

The phrase originates from a 2024 song by Skilla called Doot Doot (6 7). In the song, he says “6-7”, referring to a street in Philadelphia, 67th Street, a place where his friends once lived.

Online, a snippet of the song went viral on TikTok and other social media sites, sparking the obsession of teens worldwide.

Speaking to the Washington Post, Skrilla said even he struggled to understand how popular the phrase was with teens.

“How they react when I get onstage, when I perform ‘6 7,’ that’s how I know, it’s the energy,” he said.

“They’re getting turnt, there’s more people. It’s quadruple the amount it used to be.”

Maya Rudolph says 6-7 is ‘so stupid’

Bridesmaids and Loot star Maya Rudolph recently told Table Manners with Jessie & Lennie Ware that 6-7 is “stupid”, something many parents will likely agree with.

Trying to explain the meaning of the bizarre phrase, Rudolph asked: “Do your kids say 6-7?”

“It’s some stupid TikTok thing,” she said.

“It’s so stupid. They just say it.”

Rudolph said her kids think saying 6-7 is “hilarious”.

Attempting to explain the phrase’s origin, Rudolph said: “It came from something on TikTok that has... You sound like me, and I love you for it, because I want to know the context of everything. I want to know where things come from or why they are saying it.”

“But that’s not what they (the kids) are experiencing. They’re experiencing someone saying something, and you said it, so it’s popular.”

How long the 6-7 craze will last remains to be seen. However, for your well-being, if you still don’t understand it, stop trying. It literally has no meaning.