The Rise of ‘6-7’: A Viral Meme Among Gen Alpha

Sioux Falls, South Dakota — The phrase “6-7,” pronounced “six-seveeeeen,” has become a viral sensation among students, echoing loudly in schools across the country. Teachers are struggling to understand its origins and significance as kids shout it about everything from upcoming lunch breaks to classroom page numbers.

“It’s like a plague — a virus that has taken over these kids’ minds,” said Gabe Dannenbring, a seventh-grade science teacher. “You can’t say either number without hearing screams of ‘6-7!’ from at least 15 students.”

The phrase, which lacks any coherent meaning, offers students a sense of belonging. “It becomes a language game only kids seem to know how to play,” said Gail Fairhurst, a communication professor at the University of Cincinnati.

Originating from the viral rap song “Doot Doot (6 7)” by Philadelphia rapper Skrilla, the term has taken off, especially following TikTok clips that feature popular figures like basketball player LaMelo Ball. The phrase has become an essential element of their social interactions.

In December 2024, while demonstrating a rating for a Starbucks drink, high school athlete Taylen Kinney accompanied his words with hand gestures, contributing to the phrase’s popularity. Videos of these interactions quickly circulated online, further embedding “6-7” into youths’ everyday conversations.

However, its exalted status may be short-lived as adults start to take notice. Social scientist Taylor Jones noted that the popularity of such terms often lessens once adults engage with them. This is particularly true in this case as frustrated teachers begin to ban it.

Dannenbring often finds himself navigating these disruptive outbursts. “If you don’t play into it, it’s super disruptive,” he said, sharing his technique of humorously embracing the phrase to quell chaos in the classroom.

As the trend continues, educators are using creativity to combat disruptions. A Michigan school teacher incorporated “6-7” into a warm-up exercise in an attempt to ride the wave of popularity and diffuse its disruptive nature.

Despite adults’ frustrations, children find joy in the community created around the phrase. Fairhurst stated, “Even a nonsense term can act as a unifying force among peers.”

Yet, some educators see the trend as another transient fad in youthful circles. Dannenbring said, “Slang has evolved over time, and there can always be newer phrases or terms that come along. It’s not new to have kids play with language.”

This cycle of linguistic trends is nothing new. Youth culture thrives on novelty, and educators like Fairhurst remind us that these playful exchanges can bring communities together—even if they originate from seemingly meaningless phrases.