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- Pope Leo does viral ‘6-7’ trend. See the video (usatoday.com)
From classrooms to the Vatican, the “six-seven” trend is everywhere-even catching the attention of Pope Leo XIV. On May 16, during a visit inside the Vatican, the pope joined in on the viral “6-7” craze at the prompting of some young visitors.
“6-7,” also known as “six-seven” or simply “67,” is a popular slang phrase among Generation Alpha. While its exact meaning is somewhat fluid-often interpreted as “so-so” or “maybe this, maybe that”-it’s frequently used as a lively exclamation. Dictionary.com even named “6-7” its World of the Year for 2025, highlighting the term’s cultural impact.
During the encounter, a group of children greeted Pope Leo with the phrase “six seven” and performed the signature hand gesture: both hands held palm up, moving up and down as if weighing options. After a brief pause, the pope mimicked the phrase and gesture, much to the delight of the kids, who applauded enthusiastically. The moment was captured on video and shared on TikTok, where it has garnered over 23 million views as of May 18.
But what exactly does “6-7” mean? It’s less a precise term and more of a viral expression among young people worldwide.
Steve Johnson, director of lexicography at IXL Learning’s Dictionary Media Group, describes it as “part inside joke, part social signal and part performance.” He explains that when people say “6-7,” they’re conveying a feeling, creating a shared connection even before anyone fully agrees on its meaning.
The phrase’s origins trace back to the December 2024 song “Doot Doot” by rapper Skrilla, who raps, “The way that switch, I know he dyin’. 6-7.
I just bipped right on the highway.” Some believe “6-7” references 67th Street in Philadelphia, Skrilla’s hometown, according to meme database Know Your Meme.
This playful cultural moment shows how even the highest offices in the world aren’t immune to the influence of youth slang and internet trends.
Melina Khan and Greta Cross are national trending reporters for USA TODAY.
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- Pope Leo does viral ‘6-7’ trend. See the video (usatoday.com)