In a move that's left many scratching their heads, Dictionary.com has crowned an unlikely champion as its 2023 Word of the Year. Forget artificial intelligence or climate change terminology—the winner is the cryptic Gen-Z slang term '67'.
What Does '67' Actually Mean?
The term has nothing to do with the numerical value or the year 1967. Instead, it's become a catch-all expression of approval, excitement, or general positivity among younger generations. Think of it as the digital era's equivalent of "cool" or "awesome," but with an extra layer of internet mystery.
Why This Unconventional Choice?
Dictionary.com's selection committee revealed that '67' saw an explosive 700% increase in searches throughout 2023. The term's popularity surged across social media platforms, particularly TikTok and X (formerly Twitter), where it became a versatile tool for expressing enthusiasm without traditional words.
"The selection of '67' represents how language evolution is accelerating in the digital age," said a Dictionary.com spokesperson. "It's not just about new words entering the lexicon, but about how numbers and symbols are being repurposed for communication."
The Runners-Up That Didn't Make the Cut
- Artificial Intelligence - While dominating tech conversations, it couldn't beat youth culture's favorite numeric expression
- Strike - Gained prominence due to labor movements but lacked the viral appeal
- Hallucinate - Emerged in AI contexts but remained too niche for top honors
The Cultural Significance
This choice highlights a significant shift in how language authority is determined. Where once dictionaries followed formal usage, they're now tracking and validating internet-born expressions that gain organic traction. The selection acknowledges that linguistic innovation often bubbles up from youth culture rather than trickling down from traditional sources.
For parents, educators, and anyone over 25, this serves as a reminder that the language landscape is changing faster than ever. What might seem like nonsensical slang today could become mainstream communication tomorrow.
