If you've overheard British teenagers describing someone as a 'six' or declaring a situation 'seven,' you've witnessed the latest evolution in youth slang that's leaving many parents utterly baffled.
The Numerical Code Taking Over Playgrounds
New research from the University of Birmingham reveals that young people are increasingly using numbers as sophisticated social shorthand. What appears to be simple numerical ratings actually represents a complex system of emotional expression and social navigation.
Dr Claire Hardaker, who led the research, explains: "When a teenager says someone is a 'six,' they're not just rating appearance. They're communicating that person's entire social standing, likeability, and their place within the peer group hierarchy."
More Than Just Numbers: The Hidden Meanings
The slang operates as a nuanced coding system where context is everything:
- 'Six' typically describes someone who's socially awkward or trying too hard
- 'Seven' often indicates something is intense, overwhelming, or emotionally charged
- The numbers frequently relate to social dynamics rather than literal ratings
Why Parents Should Listen Rather Than Panic
While this new linguistic landscape can feel exclusionary, experts urge parents not to see it as concerning behaviour. This isn't a secret language designed to exclude adults but rather a natural evolution of youth communication.
Dr Hardaker emphasises: "Young people have always developed their own ways of speaking. Today's digital natives simply have more tools and platforms to accelerate these linguistic innovations."
The Social Function of Secret Languages
This numerical slang serves several important purposes for young people:
- It creates group identity and belonging
- It allows for subtle social commentary without direct confrontation
- It provides emotional shorthand for complex feelings
- It helps navigate the increasingly complex social world of adolescence
Rather than worrying about being left out of the conversation, parents are encouraged to take an interest without intrusion. Asking genuine questions about how language evolves can open up meaningful dialogues about your child's social world.
The bottom line? This numerical slang represents normal linguistic creativity, not concerning behaviour. Understanding its social function can help parents connect with their teenagers' world without needing to become fluent in 'sixes' and 'sevens' themselves.
