Kid Still Shouting 6-7? Try This

Dictionary.com named “6-7” (or “six seven”) as its 2025 Word of the Year. And after the year we’ve had, there’s little doubt you’ve heard the slang phrase coming from the mouths of the Gen Alpha kids sleeping under your roof. What started as a rap song that gained massive popularity on TikTok has infiltrated not only social media but also professional sports, countless classrooms, and many a dinner table.

And rather than dying out quickly, “6-7” has lasted longer than many other fads in recent memory. So for families whose kids are still going strong with this social trend, we spoke with Trisha Alex, a counselor and parent facilitator at Dallas Insight Counseling, who shares what’s worth knowing and not knowing about the nonsensical phrase, and four practical tips for parents to manage the repeating—and keep their own sanity intact.

What does “6-7” even mean? And where did it come from?

In short, not much. But here’s where we connect the dots:

While many attribute the rise of “6-7” to social media, the trend originated from the rap song “Doot Doot (6 7)” by Skrilla, Alex notes. The hoopla gained traction in the sports world through professional basketball player LaMelo Ball, who stands at 6 feet, 7 inches tall.

Then, high school basketball recruit Taylen Kinney advanced the trend in a TikTok video in which he was asked to rate his Starbucks drink on a scale of 1 to 10. In a juggling gesture that’s become a hallmark of the trend, he rates the drink as a “6-7.”

Alex points out the original rap song by Skrilla includes darker themes, including violence and crime, but the phrase itself has taken on many different meanings—and that depends on who you ask.

“The trend is less about meaning and more about participation.” Kids, adults, teachers and even social media users may each have their own definition. And while “6-7” is prevalent in elementary, middle, and high school settings (teachers know better than to say, “Turn to page 67 in your textbooks”), Alex has heard children as young as 3 repeating it.

Why do kids keep repeating “6-7”?

And what’s with the repetition? And the shouting? It’s the call-and-response nature of the trend that provides the appeal, explains Alex. “Kids say it because they hear others say it, and the reactions they get—whether it’s laughter, confusion or attention—keep the cycle going.”

In large part, it is the response itself that triggers the repeated pattern. While many children find these two numbers to be catchy and cool, adults can quickly tire of hearing “6-7” so frequently.

When is Slang a Cause for Concern?

And while “6-7” and its predecessors afford kids a unique language with age-specific significance, slang shouldn’t serve as a replacement for meaningful dialogue.

When parents or caregivers notice kids using slang to hide messages or cause communication breakdown, limits are important. Alex specifically points to digital media as an example of this. She cautions, “Kids may start relying on emojis or shorthand instead of actual words, and that can directly impact their ability to communicate in real-life situations where clarity truly matters.”

Parents should be especially alert when it comes to online slang and emojis, as these can sometimes be code for sexual content, violence, or self-harm. She urges parents to stay aware of digital interactions and online environments in which their children engage.

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4 Ways for parents to respond to too much “6-7”

Alex is quick to point out that others find this widespread trend to be harmless, while for other parents, it may cause concern. Regardless of where you fall on the spectrum of concern, Alex provides four practical guidelines for adults seeking to respond in appropriate ways the next time their child blurts out “6-7.”

1. Set boundaries: such as when and where it’s allowed. This doesn’t need to be complicated. Try simple limits, such as, “You can say “6-7” at home, but not during meals.” This can help kids recognize when the phrase is appropriate in your household.

2. Create designated “silly times.” This provides the best of both worlds. Kids can join in on trends while also practicing the skills of self-control and timing.

3. Simply not responding relieves some of the attention that fuels the trend. If the call-and-response frustrates you, avoid reinforcing it.

4. If you do want to respond, set a limit. A script such as “I’ll respond twice, then I’m done,” allows for connection with your child while also teaching clear boundaries.

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The Trick is Keeping Calm

Much of kid lingo can leave parents perplexed, or perhaps even tongue-tied on how to respond. While “6-7” can often be a lighthearted way of connecting with peers or eliciting a reaction, keeping open lines of communication is an important part of connection and safety. Alex challenges parents to enter into conversations calmly.

“When a child uses unfamiliar or concerning slang, asking questions from a place of curiosity and not of criticism keeps communication open,” she advises. “A steady, compassionate response helps parents understand the true message behind the words and supports kids in navigating their world safely.”

As with all trends, it too will inevitably be replaced by the next, latest phrase. Alex reminds parents that “kid and teen slang can be genuinely fun. It’s often playful, silly, and a creative way for young people to connect with peers.”

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