The 50th annual “Banished Words List,” released by Lake Superior State University on December 28, 2024, has identified “6-7” as a leading contender for elimination in the new year. This quirky list, which humorously critiques overused and misused expressions, reveals a snapshot of language trends that resonate particularly with younger generations.
The origins of the list date back to 1976, when it was created as a lighthearted New Year’s Eve tradition. Over the years, it has gained popularity, drawing submissions from approximately 1,400 participants across all 50 states and several countries, including Uzbekistan, Brazil, and Japan. In addition to “6-7,” other phrases making the top ten include “demure,” “incentivize,” “perfect,” “gift/gifted,” “my bad,” and “reach out.” Notably, “my bad” and “reach out” have previously appeared on the list in 1998 and 1994, respectively.
David Travis, president of Lake Superior State University, commented on the evolving nature of language. He noted that social media amplifies both the misunderstanding and misuse of words. “Terms are often shared through texts or posts that lack body language or tone, making it easy to misinterpret their meaning,” Travis explained.
The phrase “6-7” has particularly perplexed many individuals over the age of 40. Its rise to prominence during the summer of 2024 has sparked debates about its meaning, with some dismissing it as an inside joke among Gen Z. Dictionary.com even named it their word of the year for 2025, while other dictionaries opted for terms like “slop” and “rage bait.” The editors noted, “Don’t worry, because we’re all still trying to figure out exactly what it means.”
The term can be pronounced as “six, seven,” or interpreted as the combined number 67, which elicits excitement among college basketball fans when a team reaches that score. Its position at the top of the banished list aligns it with previous controversial phrases. For example, “quid pro quo” was the most requested term for removal in 2019, while “fake news” topped the list in 2017.
Among those who embrace “6-7” is Alana Bobbitt, a 19-year-old sophomore at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. “I find joy in it,” she remarked. “It’s a little bit silly, and even though I don’t understand what it means, it’s fun to use.”
Conversely, Jalen Brezzell, also a 19-year-old sophomore at the University of Michigan-Dearborn, remains skeptical. He noted that while his friends use “6-7” regularly, he refrains from doing so. “I don’t really get the joke,” he admitted, adding that he tends to use other phrases from the banished list, such as “cooked.” He described “cooked” as a term that has gained traction on the internet, signifying a conclusion or finality.
Travis acknowledged that while some expressions on the list possess staying power, others may be fleeting. “I don’t think they’ll ever go away, like ‘at the end of the day,'” he said. He personally continues to use “my bad,” a phrase he adopted in his youth. Yet, he speculated that “6-7” might not endure beyond the current year.
As language continues to evolve, the Banished Words List serves as a playful reminder of societal trends and the impact of communication in the digital age. The discussion surrounding these terms highlights the ongoing challenge of understanding and adapting to new linguistic landscapes, particularly among different generations.
