It started like every other meme: random, confusing, and somehow everywhere. “6,7” is echoing across Gen Alpha and Gen Z’s social media feeds, conversations, and daily life. But what does “6,7” even mean? Where did it come from? Why is it popular? These are the questions everyone is asking, as the meaning gets lost through the digital grapevine.
The phrase first appeared in 2024 in “Doot Doot,” a song by a Philadelphia artist named Skrilla. In the track, the artist uses “6,7” to reference 67th Street in Philadelphia. Before the song was officially released, leaked snippets were used in TikTok sports edits. TikToker @Matt_GrindBlatt posted a montage of NBA player LaMelo Ball, who happens to be 6 ‘7 feet tall. In the edit, the audio starts with sports commentators discussing his height in relation to his performance. When they say, “He’s 6’7,” the “6,7” part of Skrilla’s song kicks in. The video gained traction quickly and inspired many other TikTokers to make videos using the same audio.
What about the hand gestures that go with it? The motions can be credited to basketball player Taylen Kinney. In interviews, he often responded to questions with “6,7” while moving his hands in an exaggerated “I don’t know” gesture. After doing this in multiple interviews, he became the face of the meme.
As the meme spread across the internet, its original meaning mattered less and less. That didn’t stop its rise. Now, “6,7” can be heard among students, teachers, coaches, and nearly everyone else. What was once simply a number has become the heart and soul of a new generation’s meme.