Dictionary.com’s 2024 Word of the Year is ’67’!

Get ready for a surprise! Dictionary.com has just dropped its pick for the 2024 Word of the Year, and it’s not what you might expect. Forget complex terms or profound statements; the word that captured the essence of the year is… ’67’! Yes, you read that right. This isn’t a typo, and it’s not even technically a word in the traditional sense. It’s a number that perfectly encapsulates the wonderfully weird and often nonsensical vibe of modern internet culture.

What’s the Deal with ’67’?

So, how did a simple number snag the top spot? Dictionary.com explained that the selection was heavily influenced by the global social trends and viral online behaviors that dominated 2024. While the exact origins are a bit fuzzy, ’67’ started popping up in conversations among younger generations, particularly teens. It’s been interpreted in various ways, from a casual ‘so-so’ to a more ambiguous ‘maybe this, maybe that.’

This phenomenon is a prime example of what linguists are calling ‘brainrot slang’ – language that’s intentionally nonsensical and embraces absurdity. It’s all about being in on the joke, even if the joke itself is a bit baffling to outsiders. This kind of slang thrives on irony and shared confusion, making it a unique way for people to connect online.

From Viral Moment to Cultural Symbol

The mysterious ’67’ really took off on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. Users started dropping it into conversations, memes, and comment sections with wild abandon. Pronounced ‘six-seven,’ its journey to internet fame reportedly includes a nod to Skrilla’s 2024 track ‘Doot Doot’ and a viral clip of a young boy shouting the number at a basketball game, instantly becoming a meme.

What began as a random sound bite quickly transformed into a symbol of the internet’s love for chaos and the unpredictable nature of online culture. Within months, ’67’ became a shorthand for uncertainty, a way to express humor, or simply a nod to the absurd rhythm of Gen Z’s digital existence. It highlights how language is evolving through humor and shared experiences, often before a concrete meaning is established.

It’s one of the first Words of the Year that works as an interjection — a burst of energy that spreads and connects people long before anyone agrees on what it actually means. — Steve Johnson, Ph.D., Director of Lexicography for Dictionary Media Group

Embracing the Absurdity of ‘Brainrot Slang’

The term ’67’ is a perfect poster child for the growing trend of ‘brainrot slang.’ This type of language intentionally defies logic, celebrating nonsense as a form of social bonding among younger internet users. It’s less about what a word or sound *means* and more about how it makes people *feel* – amused, random, and deeply connected to the online zeitgeist.

Dictionary.com’s choice underscores how Gen Z and Gen Alpha communicate in an era saturated with information. ’67’ embodies this ‘shared absurdity,’ reflecting a communication style that thrives on shared understanding of the delightfully nonsensical. It’s a testament to how humor, irony, and collective confusion can shape our language.

Other Words That Almost Made the Cut

While ’67’ took the crown, Dictionary.com also highlighted a few other contenders that captured different facets of the year’s cultural landscape. These nearly-winners offer a fascinating glimpse into the conversations and trends that shaped 2024:

• **Agentic:** Reflecting a growing emphasis on empowerment and taking self-directed action.
• **Gen Z stare:** Capturing the viral deadpan expression that became a meme.
• **Overtourism:** Highlighting the global conversation and backlash against overcrowded travel spots.
• **Tariff:** A term that resurfaced due to ongoing political and economic discussions.
• **Tradwife:** Pointing to the controversial online discourse surrounding traditional gender roles.

It’s fascinating to see how these terms reflect the diverse experiences and conversations of the past year. But ultimately, the chaotic charm of ’67’ won out, proving that sometimes, the most impactful words are the ones that leave us delightfully puzzled.