A new slang term, 'six-seven', has become a nuisance in UK schools, with pupils shouting it at random moments. The phrase, which originated in a 2024 rap song by Philadelphia artist Skrilla, has spread through social media and was recently featured in an episode of South Park.
Teachers report that students yell 'six-seven' when asked to turn to page 67, or simply as a disruptive outburst. The trend has been linked to NBA player LaMelo Ball, who is 6ft 7in tall, and often appears in videos soundtracked by the song. A hand gesture involving alternating upturned palms has also become associated with the phrase.
Despite its popularity, the term lacks a clear meaning. It is not a reference to being 'at sixes and sevens' (a state of confusion), nor does it indicate something being average on a scale of one to ten. Instead, it appears to be a self-referential meme, with no deeper significance beyond its ability to annoy.
Some teachers have banned the phrase, while others have incorporated it into lessons to defuse its disruptive potential. Experts suggest the trend will fade as adults become aware of it, a common pattern in youth slang cycles.
