ORLANDO, Fla. — Preply has unveiled its compilation of this year’s most “cringeworthy” expressions, and leading the list is a phrase that might ring a bell for many: “6-7.”

This particular phrase, ironically designated as the “Word of the Year” for 2025, has gained notoriety largely due to its widespread use among younger audiences, particularly children and teenagers.

WHAT DOES “6-7” MEAN?

The origins of “6-7” can be traced back to the song “Doot Doot (6 7)” by artist Skrilla.

This phrase surged in popularity after basketball star Lamelo Ball posted a viral video, highlighting his height of 6 feet, 7 inches, set to the track. In no time, the expression was on the lips of many youngsters.

While this catchphrase has taken on a life of its own, Dictionary.com suggests several alternative interpretations, including meanings like “so-so” or “indecisive,” adding layers to its cultural resonance.

“Perhaps the most defining feature of 6-7 is that it’s impossible to define,” the website’s report reads. “It’s meaningless, ubiquitous, and nonsensical. In other words, it has all the hallmarks of brainrot.”

And it appears that many adults agree, as Preply found that roughly one-quarter of those aged 18-64 named the viral phrase their biggest linguistic turn-off.

OTHER CRINGY TERMS

Beyond 6-7, Preply found that slang like “Skibbidi” — a viral phrase, which means to be born out of internet meme culture — has also spread through social media and begun to annoy some.

Terms like “Pookie,” “Wifey,” “Rizz” and “YOLO” similarly turned off many people in the study.

Slang terms that were especially searched in Florida last year include the following:

• Aura Farming — Refers to a behavior (often referencing anime characters) where a person does something for the sake of looking cool

• Sybau — Acronym for “Shut your b****-a** up”

• Dih — “D**k.” Many algorithms on social media platforms prohibit profane words, so users come up with “Algo speak” like “dih”

• Sigma — Refers to an independent, self-reliant person who operates outside traditional social hierarchies, often described as a “lone wolf”

• Chuzz — This is a combination of two slang words: “Chopped” and “Huzz.” Used to describe an unattractive girl

• Chopped — This term has become a synonym for something that is ugly, undesirable or unattractive

• Clanker — A derogatory term for robots and A.I. technology. An example would be “having to talk to a clanker,” which would mean talking with a chatbot

• Sharking — Actively looking for romantic encounters, like a shark circling prey

• Glazing — To praise someone excessively and insincerely. A way to call out behavior where excessive flattery is used

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?

“Cringe isn’t really about the word itself, it’s about context and identity,” said Associate Linguistic Prof. Melissa Berk of the University of Chicago. “Terms like ‘Skibbidi’ or ‘Rizz’ are closely associated with online subcultures and younger generations. When those words cross into everyday offline conversations, they can feel forced or inauthentic.”

Over half of Americans polled said they didn’t just dislike these terms, either; they admitted to no longer liking someone simply because of how they speak.

“Language is one of the quickest ways we signal who we are. That’s why people say the way someone speaks affects how intelligent they seem,” Berk added. “Vocabulary, pronunciation and tone all shape snap judgements, often unconsciously.”

Meanwhile, the full ranking of most “cringeworthy” phrases is as follows: