“67” was deemed dictionary.com’s word of the year on Oct. 27. Although it’s not necessarily a word, the phrase has taken social media by storm. With no real definition, it leaves room for interpretation.
As Generation Alpha grows up, they bring with them new trends and ideas. 67 has become popular in school settings ranging from elementary to college.
Jordyn Nuffer, a UMKC Student Specialist, majored in English and spent time teaching at the high school level.
“I spend a good amount of time online but also, I’m 32 so that’s not my side of the game at all,” Nuffer said. “So I know it’s a thing, could not tell you what it means or where it came from but I know it’s driving teachers and parents insane.”
While not officially a part of Generation Alpha, UMKC students have begun picking up on the word, often using it in a joking manner similar to the world’s youngest generation. Katelyn Kays, a junior studying English, felt as though 67 is a lighthearted jab at the latest trends.
“I feel like it’s kind of crazy, it’s not really a word,” Kays said. “It’s a number so it’s kind of funny to think about. But I feel like it’s also been used so much, so it’s a very common phrase .”
Like every year, 2025 has had its ups and downs. As the year comes to an end, it has become increasingly harder to find a word that perfectly encapsulates the year. Some argue that a word with no real meaning fits the mood of 2025.
“I feel like it does [represent 2025],” Kays said. “I feel like the generations growing up in high school and middle school right now are like the brainrot generation. We had 2020 VSCO girl and stuff and so I think it’s funny and I feel like it does make sense for 2025.”
With hundreds of thousands of words to choose from, this year’s choice leaves many wondering why.
“I have to think they were trying to think of something that’s relevant and not negative and that’s kind of all we’ve got,” Nuffer said. “But also, I have to think maybe we use this time as a platform to say ‘hey this is what this word truly means and this is a really defining moment in our history’.”
