Dictionary.com has chosen “67” as the word of the year for 2025. Described as a classic brainrot slang that embraces absurdity, “67” is used to convey ambiguity or simply nothing at all. The term, popular in rowdy group settings like sporting events and classrooms, has gained traction online and offline.
The exact origin of “67” is uncertain but is linked to the 2024 song “Doot Doot (6 7)” by Skrilla and viral video edits of NBA player LaMelo Ball, known for his height of six feet seven inches. The announcement by Dictionary.com sparked confusion online, with many questioning the designation of a number or meaningless phrase as the word of the year.
Despite the skepticism, the director of lexicography at Dictionary Media Group, Steve Johnson, defends the choice, stating that “67” reflects the brainrot culture prevalent in 2025. The term has become a social signal and performance, resonating with the current cultural mood.
Across social media, people are incorporating “67” into various aspects of life, from handshakes to art creations. The term’s popularity surged in October 2025, with a significant increase in digital media mentions compared to the previous year. Other contenders for the word of the year included “aura farming,” “Gen Z stare,” “tariff,” and “tradwife.”