There's a universal moment when you realize you've officially become your parents: you haven't the slightest clue what the younger generation is talking about. In Indiana, this generational gap has taken a playful, yet official, turn, with police attempting to curb the spread of a baffling viral slang term – “6-7.”
The Tippecanoe County Sheriff’s Office responded to the phenomenon with a humorous video announcing a mock “6-7” ordinance, playfully claiming its purpose was to preserve parental sanity. The video depicts a deputy informing a young student that using the numbers “six” and “seven” is now illegal, unless within the context of mathematics or age.
Despite the “tickets” issued, the students continued to enthusiastically shout “6-7” while performing the accompanying hand gesture – a shrug-like motion with alternating palms up. The phrase’s persistence proved stronger than any official warning.
A clever bribe even emerged as a solution. Two students managed to appease the officers with a box of doughnuts, effectively securing their release from the “6-7” violation. It was a sweet victory in a surprisingly serious game.
The origin of “6-7” can be traced back to a song called “Doot Doot (6 7)” by rapper Skrilla. However, its meaning remains elusive, a source of frustration and fascination in equal measure.
Dictionary.com famously declared “6-7” its word of the year, a decision that sparked debate. The website admitted the term is, fundamentally, undefinable. It’s not about the words themselves, but the feeling they convey.
Some interpret “6-7” as a shrug – a verbal equivalent of “so-so” or “maybe.” Others use it simply as an exclamation, a burst of shared understanding. It’s a nonsensical phrase that somehow communicates a complex emotion.
Ultimately, “6-7” represents more than just a viral trend. It’s a symbol of the ever-shifting landscape of youth culture, a reminder that language is constantly evolving, and a playful challenge to those trying to keep up.
