The Rise of "67" in Schools
This generation's slang is causing a stir among educators, with the term "67" being one of the most problematic. Teachers across the country are banning this expression, which often comes up when the words "six" and "seven" are mentioned together. It's typically accompanied by a juggling hand gesture, making it even more distracting.
The origin of the term can be traced back to a song by rapper Skrilla titled “Doot Doot (6 7),” which references a 6'7" basketball player. This phrase gained traction through viral videos and memes featuring NBA player LaMelo Ball, as noted by Merriam-Webster.
However, the use of "67" has become a significant distraction in classrooms, prompting some educators to implement consequences for students who use the term. These consequences range from point deductions to writing essays.
"I've been teaching for 20 years and I've dealt with all sorts of slang — nothing has driven me crazier than this one," said Adria Laplander, a sixth-grade language arts teacher in Michigan, as reported by Today.com.
A Teacher’s Response to the Slang
Laplander is so frustrated with the term that she created a TikTok video explaining her punishment for any student who utters the word or performs the hand gesture. Her approach involves having students write essays about the meaning of the word "67."
"If you do it again, another 67-word essay. After five times, if you’re still saying, '67' in this classroom, your essay is going to bop up to 670 words," she explained.
Laplander believes that having students write essays is a mild consequence meant to restore order in class, although some students still shout "67" outside her door to provoke reactions. She acknowledges that slang can help connect with students but emphasizes that it should not disrupt learning.
Other educators have taken to social media to share strategies on how to limit classroom "67" outbursts. For example, Levi Hawk shared a video where he warned his class that saying "67" would result in losing points.
"Do not count out loud in class ... I was taking attendance and I said, 'One, two, three, four, five, six, seven'" he said, adding that his class then erupted into "67!"
Creative Solutions to Curb Disruption
A math teacher known as Miss Gemnini on TikTok warned her students that saying "67" would lead to losing 67 digital points, which are given for good behavior. Her goal was to teach self-control, stating, "It’s getting a little ridiculous."
Monica Choflet, a fourth-grade teacher in New Jersey, has also faced challenges with the slang "67" becoming common in her class. Students shout it whenever they hear a six or a seven.
"I could say, 'It’s 1:16 p.m., time for class and someone says, '67!'" Choflet told Today.com. To address this, she requires offenders to write "I will not say '67' in class" — six times for a first offense, seven for a second, and 67 for a third.
She has also turned the term into a playful "call and response" to refocus her students, shouting "6!" as they reply "7!" This method has been effective, with only two students writing lines for ignoring the ban.
"They thought I was kidding but once I made them write it for homework, they said, 'Whoa, you were serious!'" Choflet said.
Despite the challenges, Choflet appreciates the inside joke the slang has created with her students and colleagues. "A co-worker and I went to a Bingo fundraiser and they called out 'G-67,'" she said. "We looked at each other and said, '67.'"