The ‘6-7’ meme can be annoying. But kids are shouting it for good reason.
UC communication scholar explains how viral slang helps young people connect
A recent news article, posted to CNN.com, explores the viral slang phrase “6-7,” which is sweeping through middle and high school hallways and social media feeds.
The expression — shouted with a palms-up hand gesture and often triggered when the numbers “six” or “seven” are mentioned — originates from the 2024 rap track “Doot Doot (6 7)” by Skrilla and has since become a meme symbol among younger users.
In the article, communication experts say the phrase doesn’t have a set meaning. Instead, it serves as a way for young people to identify with their peers and signal who’s in on the joke. Among the experts cited is Gail Fairhurst, a distinguished research professor in the University of Cincinnati’s School of Communication, Film, and Media Studies.
“Language is a way for people to form community. Even if it’s a nonsense term, if they seem to know what it means, that can be a unifying force. And if somebody isn’t understanding the term, it can exclude people from that community, as well,” Fairhurst said.
@g_unit24 How many times I heard 6 7 today as a teacher #teacherlife #sixseven #teachersoftiktok #teacher ♬ original sound - Gabe Dannenbring
The piece highlights how “6-7” fits into a broader pattern of youth-driven, seemingly nonsensical slang that signals belonging rather than conveying a literal message. While some educators express frustration, as the chant pops up in classrooms and disrupts lessons, communication scholars say the trend reflects the evolving nature of peer identity, digital culture and intergenerational language gaps. Fairhurst’s insights place the phenomenon in the context of how groups use language to include and exclude, innovate and amuse.
As Fairhurst emphasizes, even if the phrase appears silly or meaningless to those outside the “in” group, it nonetheless operates as a meaningful social tool.
Read more by Fairhurst on the use of slang in popular culture: "How to talk to Gen Alpha."
Featured photo at top courtesy of iStock Photo/monkeybusinessimages.
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