Why Your Child Keeps Saying ‘Six Seven’—And What It Really Means
It sometimes feels like we’re witnessing a new era of brain rot, one where children’s speech has become so drenched in memes and internet culture that it almost requires a translator just to keep up. Every week, a fresh phrase or inside joke seems to surface, baffling parents and leaving teachers scratching their heads.
The most recent catchphrase? “Six-seven.”
Even self-proclaimed experts in teen slang have struggled to pin down exactly what this bizarre phrase means. Yet children can’t seem to stop saying it. So what is “six seven,” where did it come from, and should you be worried if it suddenly becomes part of your child’s vocabulary?
“Six Seven?” What in the world is that?
In essence, the “six seven” fad is a meme that originated from Skrilla’s song Doot Doot (6 7). The term is often used by children to reference the 6’7” NBA player LaMelo Ball.
Edits of LaMelo Ball combined with the song’s music have gone viral on TikTok, the clear culprit that popularized the phrase. Because of this, children and tweens have begun creating their own “six seven” videos and using the phrase constantly.
But what does it actually mean?
Both adults and teenagers have tried to pin it down. Some say it means “so-so,” especially since children often pair it with an up-and-down hand gesture. Others think it describes a tall person, while some argue it’s a basketball reference.
The truth is, the phrase is absurd, which is sort of the point. Under one viral video, a tween commented, “I think the point is that it makes no sense.” Someone else replied, “But it’s provocative.”
Ultimately, it’s just one of those expressions children find funny. In fact, it’s often funnier to them because adults don’t understand it either.
Should you be worried?
If your child is shouting “six seven” and you’re unsure whether to be concerned, the short answer is: probably not. Still, context matters.
It helps to understand the origin. The song “Six Seven” is based on a rap track with graphic and violent lyrics.
While your child might not know the context or even be aware of the entire song, repeating phrases without understanding their meaning can cause problems, especially at school. Most teachers aren’t thrilled when students randomly yell “six seven” across the classroom.
If your child is using the phrase, it’s a good idea to ask where they heard it and what they think it means. This can open the door to conversations about media literacy, responsible language use, and the importance of understanding the content they consume online.
