Can You Identify 6-7 Words from the 50th 'Banished Words List'?

In the latest survey conducted by a college in Michigan, respondents indicate that the pairing of "6-7" has reached a boiling point and should be permanently shelved as we enter a new year.

Featured among the top ten entries in the 50th edition of the 'Banished Words List,' this expression was unveiled on Thursday by Lake Superior State University. Initially, the list started in 1976 as an amusing concept for a New Year's Eve gathering. It humorously critiques expressions in the English language for their inappropriate use or general redundancy.

The university received nearly 1,400 nominations from participants across all 50 states and various countries, such as Uzbekistan, Brazil, and Japan.

Other words joining "6-7" in the list's spotlight include "demure," "incentivize," "perfect," "gift/gifted," "my bad," and "reach out." Notably, "my bad" and "reach out" have been part of this list before, specifically in 1998 and 1994.

According to David Travis, the president of Lake Superior State University, the list mirrors the contemporary lingo and prevalent trends among younger populations. "The influence of social media frequently leads to the misuse or misunderstanding of terms. Online communication primarily occurs through texting and posting, often lacking the context of tone or body language, which can amplify confusion," he stated.

In the year 2025, few expressions bewildered individuals over 40 more than "." However, among various platforms, Dictionary.com and other dictionary services have recently opted for alternative words like "slop" and "rage bait."

But, what exactly does "6-7" signify? It gained traction particularly among Gen Z over the summer, often perceived as an inside joke with ambiguous meaning, proliferated by social media.

"Rest assured, we're also grappling with its full meaning," expressed the editorial team of a dictionary.

It’s possible to articulate each digit separately as "six, seven" or collectively as the number 67. An intriguing scenario often unfolds at college basketball games, where hitting the 67-point mark prompts enthusiastic reactions from fans.

Leading the banished list, "6-7" aligns with historically notable phrases. For instance, "quid pro quo" topped the 2019 list, and "fake news" secured the highest votes in 2017.

Nineteen-year-old Alana Bobbitt, who studies at the University of Michigan, wholeheartedly embraces the use of "6-7."

"There's a playful aspect to it," Bobbitt noted. "Even in the absence of a clear meaning, I find joy in using it."

Conversely, Jalen Brezzell, another 19-year-old sophomore at the University of Michigan-Dearborn, mentions that "6-7" finds its way into conversations with his friends a few times a week, though he personally refrains from using it.

"I've never really understood the humor in it," Brezzell remarked. "I don’t find it amusing." However, he believes that banning terms, even humorously, might be overdoing it and admits to using other expressions from the list regularly.

"For me, the term 'cooked' is familiar; its rising popularity is likely due to recent internet trends. It implies giving up or conceding," Brezzell noted.

Some terms will undoubtedly endure, President Travis commented.

"Phrases like 'at the end of the day' aren't likely to disappear," he said. "I recently said 'my bad' myself—it's a phrase I've used since my youth and many in my age group continue to do so."

Although a few on this list might have staying power, others are transient, Travis observed. "By next year, I predict '6-7' will likely fade from everyday use."