Why the Word of the Year Matters
Each year, Dictionary.com selects a Word of the Year to capture a theme that reflects American culture. The choice is not about predicting the future but about documenting the conversations already shaping public life. For 2025, the word is “67,” pronounced “six-seven.”
The announcement highlights how language adapts to reflect shared experiences. Words often gain traction when they provide a shorthand for cultural identity or when they capture a mood that resonates across generations. In this case, “67” has become a marker of generational expression, particularly among younger Americans.
For readers, the Word of the Year offers reassurance that language change is not random. It is a natural process shaped by usage, and dictionaries serve as observers of those shifts.
How “67” Was Chosen
Dictionary.com explained that the selection process involves analyzing search data, cultural events, and public conversations. The word “67” saw a sharp increase in searches during 2025, particularly as it spread through TikTok and other platforms.
The term’s origins are linked to a song called Doot Doot (6 7) by rapper Skrilla, which helped bring it into mainstream use. Teachers and parents began hearing it from children and teenagers, often without a clear definition. Some use it to mean “so-so,” while others treat it as a playful way to confuse adults.
By grounding the choice in measurable data, Dictionary.com ensures that the Word of the Year reflects real usage rather than editorial preference.
What “67” Reveals About American Culture
The selection of “67” highlights how younger generations influence language. Gen Alpha has embraced the term as part of what Dictionary.com calls “brainrot slang,” a style of speech that is intentionally nonsensical and humorous.
For many adults, the meaning of “67” may seem unclear. Yet its popularity shows how language can serve as a cultural marker, signaling membership in a group. Just knowing the term can make someone feel connected to peers.
This reflects a broader pattern in American culture, where slang often begins with younger speakers before spreading more widely. The Word of the Year underscores how generational identity shapes communication.
The Role of Technology in Spreading “67”
Technology has played a central role in the spread of “67.” Social media platforms, especially TikTok, allowed the term to reach millions of users in a short time. What once might have remained a niche expression quickly became a national talking point.
This rapid spread illustrates how digital communication accelerates language change. A word can move from a song lyric to a viral trend to a dictionary entry in less than a year.
For readers, this connection between technology and language is a reminder of how online life shapes everyday conversation. The terms people use online often become the ones they use offline, reinforcing cultural trends.
Why Readers Care About “67”
For many Americans, the Word of the Year is more than a curiosity. It validates the sense that language is keeping pace with cultural change. Parents may recognize the term from their children, while younger readers may feel seen by its recognition.
The announcement also sparks reflection. Readers may think about how they have encountered “67” in conversations, music, or online posts. This creates a shared cultural moment that connects people across different backgrounds.
By presenting the Word of the Year in a calm and factual way, Dictionary.com helps readers understand that language change is steady and predictable. Words shift meaning over time, and new terms enter the dictionary as society changes.
Language as a Mirror of Society
The choice of “67” underscores the idea that language mirrors society. It reflects not only what people are talking about but also how they are thinking about themselves and their communities.
Words can capture the mood of a nation. They can highlight uncertainty, humor, or curiosity. By recognizing “67,” Dictionary.com provides a way to measure cultural change without exaggeration or alarm.
For readers, this perspective offers reassurance. Language is not slipping out of control but adapting in ways that reflect shared experiences. The Word of the Year is a reminder that change in language is both natural and meaningful.
