Are you tired of hearing the same slang phrases over and over again? One phrase in particular, "6-7," has officially been declared overused and ready for retirement in 2025, according to a recent survey! But what does this mysterious phrase even mean, and why is everyone so eager to banish it?
Lake Superior State University has just released its 50th annual "Banished Words List," a tongue-in-cheek tradition that started back in 1976 as a fun New Year's Eve party game. Affectionately dubbed the list of "Queen's English for Mis-use, Over-use and General Uselessness," it aims to highlight words and phrases that have been driven into the ground through overuse or misuse. And this year, "6-7" takes the top spot.
The university received around 1,400 submissions from all 50 U.S. states, as well as countries like Uzbekistan, Brazil, and Japan, demonstrating the global reach of linguistic trends. But here's where it gets controversial... The list isn't just about banning words; it's about sparking a conversation about language and how we use it.
Alongside "6-7," the top 10 also includes words like "demure," "incentivize," "perfect," "gift/gifted," "my bad," and "reach out." Interestingly, "my bad" and "reach out" are repeat offenders, having made the list back in 1998 and 1994, respectively. This suggests that some linguistic habits are harder to break than others! What do you think? Are these words truly overused, or do they still serve a purpose?
According to Lake Superior State University President David Travis, the list reflects the evolving language of younger generations. "Social media allows a greater opportunity to misunderstand or misuse words," Travis explains. "We’re using terms that are shared through texting, primarily, or through posting with no body language or tone context. It’s very easy to misunderstand these words." This highlights a crucial point: the context in which we use language matters more than ever in the digital age.
"6-7" became particularly pervasive in 2025, especially among Gen Z, leaving many older adults scratching their heads. Even Dictionary.com acknowledged its prominence by naming it their 2025 word of the year. But what does it actually mean? And this is the part most people miss... According to Dictionary.com's editors, even they are still trying to figure it out! It's largely considered to be nonsensical – an inside joke fueled by social media trends.
The phrase can be interpreted in a few ways: the individual numbers "six, seven," or the number sixty-seven. Some college basketball fans even erupt in celebration when a team reaches 67 points. The beauty of "6-7" lies in its ambiguity and its ability to be adapted to different contexts. But does that make it worthy of the top spot on the Banished Words List?
Previous top contenders for banishment include the Latin phrase "quid pro quo" in 2019 and "fake news" in 2017, demonstrating how the list often reflects current events and political discourse. This raises an interesting question: Does the Banished Words List simply capture fleeting trends, or does it genuinely influence the way we speak?
While some may criticize the use of "6-7," others find it humorous. Alana Bobbitt, a 19-year-old student, embraces the phrase, saying, "I find joy in it. It’s a little bit silly, and even though I don’t understand what it means, it’s fun to use." On the other hand, Jalen Brezzell, another 19-year-old student, admits, "I don’t really get the joke. I don’t see what’s funny about it." This perfectly illustrates the subjective nature of language and humor.
Despite its current popularity, President Travis believes that "6-7" will likely fade away in the coming years. However, he acknowledges that some phrases, like "at the end of the day" and "my bad," have staying power. What are your thoughts? Do you think "6-7" will disappear as quickly as it appeared, or will it become a permanent part of our vocabulary?
Ultimately, the Banished Words List serves as a reminder that language is constantly evolving. It encourages us to think critically about the words we use and the impact they have on others. So, what do you think? Are there any words or phrases you'd like to see banished? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
