What does “6-7” actually mean and why are all the kids shouting it?

You’ve probably caught your child – maybe in the car, or as they wander past the kitchen or mid-homework -yelling something like “six-seven!” or “67!” (perhaps with one of those palms-up hand gestures). If you’ve wondered what on earth that is, you’re absolutely not alone.

Let’s unpack it in plain English, especially for parents trying to keep up with this new generation’s language.

6 7 Meaning – The short answer

So what is the 6 7 meaning for kids, teens and gen z?

“6-7” (also written “67” or “six seven”) is a viral meme / slang phrase among younger kids and teens. It doesn’t carry a straightforward meaning like “great,” or “bad,” rather, its power lies in that it sort of doesn’t mean anything specific.

In other words: It’s nonsense. But the fact it’s nonsense is the point.

Parents have been just as puzzled as the rest of us, and the comments flying around online really sum it up.

One mum said,

“My 9 year old picked it up on residential from another school. She says it’s like a gauge, things are a 6 or a 7!”

Another shared,

“I’ve read a few things — one it’s to do with a famous basketball player who was 6’7, another it was a police code in the US to run, and then it was a message in a rap song, so who knows 😂.”

Others have even guessed it’s “referring to element 67 on the periodic table, Ho — they’re basically saying 67 instead of using the word ‘Ho’.”

But perhaps the most accurate take comes from the parent who said,

“No one actually knows the true origin. I think it came from some kid saying it and it spiralled. It just means like meh. So so. Nothing to worry about ☺️.”

Where Did 6 7 come from?

Here’s the back-story of the 6 7 meme, simplified:

The phrase originates from the rap song Doot Doot (6 7) by Skrilla. The lyric repeats “6-7” (or “six seven”) in the hook. (watch the video here on YouTube)
A key moment of spread: Social-media clips used the song audio alongside footage of the basketball player LaMelo Ball, who happens to be 6′7″ tall, so naturally “6-7” became visually and aurally linked.
On platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels, students and younger kids began using “6-7” in lots of everyday contexts (classrooms, walks home, chats) simply because it was funny, catchy and gave them a bit of in-group language.

Why are kids Saying 6 7?

For parents trying to make sense of it, here are some of the why-s:

Because it’s funny. Repeating a phrase that doesn’t need to mean anything gives kids the freedom to use it unpredictably. It’s a bit of silliness.
Because it signals belonging. When one kid says “six seven” and another echoes it, it’s a small badge of “I’m in the loop,” especially among friends.
Because adults don’t understand it. That is part of the appeal. They get a reaction. If mum looks puzzled, it works.
Because social media spread it fast. A viral clip becomes repeated, remixed, used as background audio, all of which accelerates the trend.

**What does it mean?**

Here’s where the confusion lies, and what you can tell your child if they’re waving the phrase around.

Some say it means something like “so-so” or “average” (not brilliant, not terrible). Like a rating 6 or 7 out of ten.
Some link it to height or size (since LaMelo Ball is 6’7″) meaning “big guy” or “tall.”
Some suggest it may reference “67th Street” (in Chicago or Philadelphia) which the song might hint at.
The key takeaway is that none of these meanings is firmly confirmed. As one dictionary summary noted: “The bottom line is, the term ‘six seven’ is nonsensical — which is sort of the point.”

So when your child says “six-seven” it often means exactly that – just a random catch-phrase, for fun, for reaction, for inside-joke.

Should you be worried? Is the 6 7 meaning inappropriate?

Short answer: Probably not—but it’s worth a little awareness.

When it’s fine:

If they’re saying “six seven” in a friendly, playful way (e.g., joking with friends, using it in a TikTok-style video) it’s largely harmless.
It’s a trend, like any linguistic fad. It may fade or transform. The important thing is how they use it.

When to keep an eye on it:

If the phrase is being used in a context where it’s disruptive (e.g., in class, interrupting teaching). Teachers are already reporting “six-seven” chants in classrooms.
If the trend is tied to music or videos with inappropriate content (the original song has explicit lyrics). So, ask where exactly the clip came from.
If the child is using the phrase in a way that replaces normal conversation or is connected to exclusionary peer-behaviour (“If you don’t say six-seven you’re out”). This is less about “six-seven” and more about peer dynamics in general.

How to handle your kids saying 6-7 and how to talk about it

Here are some tips for parents in dealing with the 6 7 slang..

Show curiosity, not frustration.

Instead of “Stop saying that!” you might ask:

“Hey, I keep hearing ‘six seven’—what’s that all about with you and your friends?”

This opens a conversation and shows you’re interested, not just policing.

Use it as a teachable moment about media.

Explain: “You know that phrase came from a song and social-media trend—it’s fun, but it doesn’t necessarily mean something serious.”
This helps them think about how social media shapes language.

Set boundaries if needed.

If it’s disruptive (e.g., during homework, lessons, or at the dinner table), you might say: “I know you’re saying ‘six seven’ for laughs—cool—but can we pause that for now until after dinner?”

Stay updated (but don’t chase every trend).

Trends will keep coming. You don’t have to know them all, but you can keep in mind:

Where the phrase came from

What context your child uses it in

Whether you’re comfortable with it in your home/setting

Encourage conversation about online content.

Since the phrase comes via TikTok/reels, you might say: “If you see a clip, show it to me later so I know what you’re watching.”
This builds trust and keeps you aware of their online world.

Final thoughts for Parents

Your child’s use of “six-seven” is likely just one small piece of their social/media world. It’s loud, confusing to adults, but ultimately not sinister. It falls into the same category as the “yeet,” “bet,” or “no cap” moments of older generations.

By showing interest, keeping communication open, and setting appropriate boundaries (especially around context and content), you’ll be well placed to understand what your child is up to, and to be in touch with their social-slang world without losing sight of the big picture.

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If your kids have been saying “six-seven” too, share this post with other parents so they’re not left wondering what it means either! The more we help each other keep up with these funny new trends, the easier it is to stay connected with what our kids are talking about.

In The Playroom

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Anna Marikar, mum of four and seasoned blogger, has spent over a decade sharing her parenting journey and passion for kid-friendly crafts and free printables.
Her easy-to-follow craft ideas and practical parenting advice have transformed In The Playroom into a cherished resource for parents.