What Does ‘67’ Mean? Understanding Gen Alpha’s Digital Slang Language That Is Breaking The Internet

Digital Slang 67: With social media taking the lives of all people, irrespective of the age group or generation, there are certain things that are often breaking the internet. With every passing trend comes a new word, meme or phrase that young people get quite easily obsessed with. In recent times, Gen Alpha has picked up a new digital slang that often confuses the older generation often confused. Amongst others, a phrase that is quickly rising to popularity is “67.” This simple digit has a compound meaning that signifies the innovation and culture of Gen Alpha's online interactions.

Taking a look back, with the flash mobs being all the rage in the early 2010s, they were replaced by viral internet challenges. The Ice Bucket Challenge, the Cinnamon Challenge, planking, and the Harlem Shake all rose to popularity for a short time before fading away by 2016. During the COVID-19 and lockdown period, POV videos and dance challenges came into popularity. In recent times, trends like the Skibidi Toilet meme and so-called “brainrot” took over Instagram Reels and YouTube shorts. However, now they have been replaced by the nonsensical term “67.” Learning about "67" will provide insight into how the current generation of kids is using this digital slang language.

What Does “67” Mean?

As soon as you mention “67” to any child between the age group of nine and fourteen, that is the Gen Alpha, they are likely to laugh and put forward a popular hand gesture. The term “67” is used as an inside joke among young people and it does not have any meaning.

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This digital slang has been popularised by the rap song “Doot Doot (67)” by Skrilla. The phrase became a repetitive catchphrase after a young spectator at a basketball game was recorded shouting “67” while making a signature gesture. Soon, the videos went around the internet, especially on TikTok and Instagram.

Decoding 67 Digital Slang Language (Image Credits: Canva)

Understanding “67,” The Internet Language

The popularity of “67” has been much that even led some schools around the world to issue informal bans on its use, claiming it to be disruptive or overused. Adults often dismiss it as meaningless or annoying; however, the younger generation uses it to share a simple joke in the digital world.

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“67” is not just a number, but basically a metaphor for the rapid change of the digital world. To the younger generation, this expression embodies the energetic, creative nature of their cyber lexicon, while the older generation finds it meaningless.