The random phrase “6-7” has erupted as a disruptive yet unifying meme in American schools, captivating Generation Alpha students with its meaningless charm and origins in viral internet culture.
The nonsense phrase “6-7” is haunting school halls across the United States and beyond, with students shouting it at random moments, such as when a teacher turns to page 67 or when lunchtime is 6 to 7 minutes away. According to reports from CNN and 9News, this trend has become a plague in classrooms, with teachers recording up to 75 instances in a single day. Gabe Dannenbring, a seventh-grade science teacher in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, described it as a virus that has taken over kids’ minds, highlighting its pervasive nature. The meme’s spread has been fueled by social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, where it gains traction among youth seeking to belong.
The origins of “6-7” trace back to the viral song “Doot Doot (6 7)” by Philadelphia rapper Skrilla, where the numbers appear in the chorus, possibly referencing police code 10-67 for reporting a death. In December 2024, high school basketball phenom Taylen Kinney popularized a gesture accompanying the phrase, which he used in TikTok videos with over 1 million followers. The meme gained further traction through sports highlight reels, including those of Charlotte Hornets point guard LaMelo Ball, who stands at 6 feet 7 inches, adding to the absurdity. This combination of music and sports helped the phrase go viral, embedding it in youth culture.
A key moment in the meme’s evolution was the emergence of “Mason 67,” a character based on a video of an overexcited spectator at a basketball game shouting “6-7!” with the hand gesture. This figure became an icon of online analog horror and embodied the annoying classmate stereotype, fueling the inside joke. However, most students are unaware of the origins, embracing the phrase precisely because of its meaninglessness, as noted by linguist Taylor Jones. The lack of a clear definition allows for infinite interpretations, making it a flexible tool for social interaction.
Experts explain that “6-7” serves as a shibboleth, a phrase that signifies belonging to an “in” group among peers. Gail Fairhurst, a University of Cincinnati professor, emphasized that even nonsense terms can unify communities, while excluding those who don’t understand. The meme’s longevity is partly due to adult reactions, with Jones noting that getting a big response from something meaningless can prolong its life, as it becomes a way for kids to show resistance when teachers ban it. This dynamic highlights the generational divide and the role of rebellion in youth identity.
In response, educators have adopted various strategies, from exasperated TikToks to incorporating the phrase into lessons. For example, a Michigan middle school choir teacher used it in a warmup song to preempt disruptions, while Dannenbring finds that acknowledging it briefly ends the behavior faster. Some teachers intentionally misuse it to kill its cool factor, as Jones suggested that adult approval is the easiest way to dampen the trend. These approaches show how schools are adapting to internet-driven phenomena, balancing discipline with understanding.
Despite concerns about “brainrot,” experts assure that such nonsense phrases are not harmful and are a normal part of youthful behavior and language evolution. Jones pointed out that every generation invents slang, and projects fears about literacy onto these trends. Fairhurst added that while it reflects a “post-truth” society where communication specificity matters less, it’s unlikely to damage the English language. The meme’s benign nature contrasts with past destructive trends, offering a relatively harmless outlet for creativity.
The meme is already showing signs of decline, with students rolling their eyes and new phrases like “41” emerging to dethrone it. Dannenbring remarked that compared to past destructive trends, “6-7” is significantly less annoying, highlighting the playful, social dynamics of modern youth culture. As with all internet fads, it is destined for the slang graveyard, but its journey underscores the ongoing evolution of language and the importance of community in adolescent development.