Unlocking the Mystery: What Kids Mean When They Holler ‘6-7’ in Classrooms

When Jennifer Trujillo overheard her middle school band class bustling with excitement each time they said “6-7,” she turned to her 15-year-old daughter for clarity. Her daughter could only shrug and say, “Mom, nobody knows.” Yet, that odd phrase is now a phenomenon among kids and teens everywhere.

So much so that it has triggered bans in some schools, as educators struggle to manage the distractions it brings. The phrase comes from the song “Doot Doot (6 7)” by Philadelphia rapper Skrilla. Initially, he had no plans to release it, but after it went live at the end of 2024, teens embraced it, sparking a wave of enthusiasm. Skrilla noted that it transformed into a fun experience that people love.

The randomness of “6-7” adds to its charm, allowing kids to shout it out during moments of joy. It recently appeared in popular shows like “Abbott Elementary” and set the scene for an episode of “South Park.” Teenagers even celebrated when the number 67 was called at an In-N-Out burger restaurant, sharing their excitement on social media.

Trujillo, who teaches at Giano Intermediate in West Covina, compares the phenomenon to a nostalgic segment from “Pee-wee’s Playhouse,” where the word of the day sparked loud cheers. Eighth-grader Desarie Alvarez noted that while the phrase seems random, it continues to create a playful buzz. “I don’t really see how it’s funny, but I’ve gotten used to it,” she said.

Some teachers have reacted by trying to discipline students or outright banning the phrase, but others, like principal Carlos Ochoa, choose to embrace it. Many faculty members allow their students to give a shout of “6-7!” to unleash the excitement. Ochoa, in his 13th year as principal, sees fads come and go and recognizes the power of youth culture to resist authority.

Interestingly, the longevity of this trend is unusual. Social media often causes phrases to rise and fall quickly. Karen North, a digital media expert from USC, explained that teachers’ attempts to regulate phrases like “6-7” often backfire, as kids enjoy the attention and rebellion against the rules. Research shows that generational codes often form when older generations try to impose restrictions, creating an “in” experience for younger ones.

Every generation has its quirky codes, from “the bee’s knees” to “groovy.” However, today’s trends spread rapidly through platforms like TikTok, giving them a short lifespan. Before “6-7,” there was “skibidi,” which has faded past its prime.

Trujillo believes these lighthearted phrases are a way for today’s kids to find joy amidst various pressures in their lives, from bullying to sociopolitical happenings. “Maybe it’s their way of telling us to lighten up a little,” she shared.

Ultimately, “6-7” may seem silly, but it brings laughter and connects students. In an ever-changing world, these moments of joy can have a significant impact. Just think about it, the next time you hear “6-7” shouted, it might be a reminder for us all to embrace a bit of fun in our lives.

For more insightful perspectives on this trend, check out articles from reliable sources like the Wall Street Journal that delve into youth culture and trends.

Source link