Imagine a classroom filled with kids suddenly bursting into laughter, shouting '6-7!' at the top of their lungs. It’s not just chaos—it’s a phenomenon that’s sweeping schools, social media, and even TV shows. But here’s where it gets controversial: while some adults are banning it, others are embracing it as a harmless trend. So, what’s the deal with '6-7'? Let’s dive in.
When middle school band teacher Jennifer Trujillo first heard her students yelling 'six, seven' and erupting in glee, she turned to the ultimate expert—her 15-year-old daughter. But even she couldn’t crack the code. 'Mom, nobody knows,' was the unsatisfying reply. Yet, the phrase has become a viral sensation, leaving adults baffled and kids hooked. It’s gotten so out of hand that at least one school has outright banned the phrase '67.' And this is the part most people miss: it’s not just a random outburst—it’s a cultural moment.
According to The Wall Street Journal, the phrase originated from Philadelphia rapper Skrilla’s song 'Doot Doot (6 7).' Skrilla, whose real name is Jemille Edwards, admitted he never intended the phrase to have a specific meaning. 'It wasn’t supposed to leave the recording studio,' he told The Times. But after he leaked it in late 2024, teens latched onto it, turning it into a nationwide craze. 'It’s become something positive and fun,' Skrilla wrote, encouraging everyone to 'keep it goin’ and keep it positive.'
But here’s the twist: the very lack of meaning behind '6-7' is what makes it so versatile. Kids are shouting it in classrooms, playgrounds, and even fast-food joints like In-N-Out. It’s popped up in hit TV shows like Abbott Elementary and South Park, and NBA star LaMelo Ball, who stands at 6 feet 7 inches, has been lip-syncing it on TikTok. Is it just a silly fad, or is there something deeper going on?
For teachers like Trujillo, the trend is a double-edged sword. While it disrupts lessons, it’s also a reminder of the joy kids find in the simplest things. 'You don’t realize how many times you say 67 until a bunch of middle-schoolers point it out,' she said. Giano Intermediate School principal Carlos Ochoa takes a laid-back approach, letting students yell 'six, seven!' to get it out of their system or even joining in to make it less cool. 'You can’t fight this,' he said. 'We roll with the punches.'
So, why has '6-7' stuck around when most viral trends fizzle out in days? Karen North, a USC professor of digital social media and psychology, believes it’s because teachers tried to ban it. 'Middle-schoolers love nothing more than seeing adults get upset over something they can’t control,' she explained. Plus, the phrase is so ingrained in everyday life—from math class to sports scores—that it’s nearly impossible to avoid.
But here’s the bigger question: Is '6-7' just a generational code word, or is it a cry for lightness in a heavy world? North points out that every generation has its slang, from 'groovy' to 'fire.' What’s unique now is how social media amplifies these phrases, giving them a short but explosive lifespan. Remember 'Skibidi'? Exactly. Yet, '6-7' feels different. Maybe, as Trujillo suggests, it’s this generation’s way of saying, 'Let’s just have fun.'
So, what do you think? Is '6-7' a harmless trend or a classroom disruptor? Should adults embrace it or try to stamp it out? Let us know in the comments—we’re all ears!
