tech
December 20, 2025
Each year, word of the year gets darker. ‘Six-seven’ may be annoying – but it’s bucked that trend
Some might regard it as ‘brain rot’, but the first word of the year just for tweens and teenagers could be the most hopeful development of 2025
TL;DR
- Words of the year are seen as artifacts that tell a story of a changing society.
- Recent selections like 'parasocial' and 'rage bait' reflect current anxieties and online culture.
- Older selections like 'bovvered' and 'sudoku' are viewed with nostalgia but also questioned for their simplicity.
- Words from 2018 onwards reflect a bleak period with terms like 'climate emergency' and 'gaslighting,' followed by tech crazes and ennui.
- 'Slop,' referring to AI video, is hoped to be a fleeting trend.
- 'Parasocial' highlights concerns about AI bonding and the replacement of real human connection.
- 'Six-seven' (67), a nonsensical teen slang word meaning 'so-so,' is presented as a hopeful development.
- The author likens 'six-seven' to past fads like 'wassupppp,' seeing its value in forging social bonds and shared identity among teens.
- Humor, even in slang like 'six-seven' or 'rizz,' is considered precious, human, and full of potential for connection and rebuilding.
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