This generation’s slang is driving teachers nuts.
Educators across the country are banning the term “67,” a nonsensical expression often blurted out, especially when “six” and “seven” are mentioned together, with one person saying “six” and others responding “seven.” It also comes with an accompanying “juggling” hand gesture.
The term comes from rapper Skrilla’s song “Doot Doot (6 7)”, referencing a 6’7” basketball player, which gained popularity through viral videos and memes featuring NBA player LaMelo Ball, according to Merriam-Webster.
However, teachers say that the phrase has become a distraction that disrupts classrooms. Some educators are imposing consequences, from point deductions to essays, for students who use the term.
“I’ve been teaching for 20 years and I’ve dealt with all sorts of slang — nothing has driven me crazier than this one,” Adria Laplander, a sixth-grade language arts teacher in Michigan, told Today.com.
Laplander is so over it that she made a TikTok video explaining her form of punishment for any student who utters the word or performs the hand gesture.
“We are not saying the words, ‘67’ anymore — if you do, you have to write a 67-word essay about … what the word ‘67’ means,” Laplander said. “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.”
Laplander said that having students write essays is a mild consequence meant to restore order in class, though some still shout “67” outside her door to provoke reactions. She says slang can help connect with students – but not when it disrupts learning.
Other educators have taken to the social media platform to share tips on how to limit classroom “67” outbursts.
“Do not count out loud in class … I was taking attendance and I said, ‘One, two, three, four, five, six, seven’” Levi Hawk said in a video, adding that his class then erupted into “67!”
A fed-up math teacher, who goes by Miss Gemnini on TikTok, warned students that saying “67” would result in losing 67 digital points, which are rewarded for good behavior.
“My goal with this is that you build some self-control,” she told her class in the video. “It’s getting a little ridiculous.”
New Jersey fourth-grade teacher Monica Choflet says the slang “67” has become so common in her class that 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 curb the disruption, 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’s also turned the term into a playful “call and response” to refocus her students, shouting “6!” as they reply “7!”
This method has been overwhelmingly helpful, 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.
As crazy as it makes her, Choflet said she does appreciate 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,’” Chofle said.. “We looked at each other and said, ‘67.’”
