"6-7" May be the latest, but it's not the first - or the last - nonsensical, irritating thing that kids have latched onto in the past year. Parents and teachers alike are frustrated with this lingo, but while you may not understand what any of the latest, frequently quipped phrases mean (and don't worry, we have a decoder for you!) it might help if you realize why kids love it and why it's probably here to stay.
This trend of using nonsensical words and phrases is more than just kids being silly. It signals a few things:
- Insight into youth culture & communication: Kids are connecting through brief, sometimes nonsensical memes. It’s part of how they form group identity and “in-group” jokes. The trend shows how fast things spread and how kids create their own language. It seems to be helping kids relate to each other - it doesn't matter what your interests are, all kids seem to be united with these new language trends - which might not be a bad thing!
- Indicator of what might be going on socially/emotionally: When kids repeat phrases, memes, or social patterns, it may reflect their need for peer bonding, attention, or just fun distraction. If the phrase gets disruptive in class or home, it can signal bigger things like boredom, need for belonging, or whether screen/social media influences are too strong.
- Opportunity for conversation: As a parent you can use it as a chance to ask: “What’s this phrase? Why are you saying it?” Instead of just banning it you might turn it into a teachable moment about language, memes, social media, tone, humour, peer pressure.
- Illustrates the pace of changes: What kids value or adopt changes very fast now — two weeks a meme is everywhere, two months later it might be old. Parents who keep up may feel the culture shift.
For now, we do seem to have to live with it, so let's embrace it as best we can, and stay in the know with this easy decoder that ChatGPT helped us create!
🧠Kid-Slang Decoder: What Kids Are Saying in 2025
| Slang | Meaning / Usage | Parent Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Brain rot | Describes spending too much time watching silly or pointless videos or content online. | If you hear this, it can be a good cue to ask what they’re watching and talk about balancing screen time. Often kids tease other kids calling their interests "brain rot" so this is a good opportunity to talk about different interests and being inclusive. |
| Skibidi | A random, funny word used to describe something cool, weird, or just plain ridiculous. | Ask what “skibidi” means to them — it could mean “awesome” or “so dumb it’s funny.” |
| Rizz | Short for “charisma.” Having “rizz” means someone is smooth, confident, or charming. | When kids talk about “who’s got rizz,” it’s a good way to discuss confidence and kindness in friendships. |
| Gyatt / Gyat | Often refers to someone’s body in an admiring way, but can sound inappropriate. | Use it as a chance to talk about body respect and healthy ways to compliment others. |
| Ohio | Used to describe something totally weird, chaotic, or cringe-worthy. | If they say “that’s so Ohio,” ask what about it seemed chaotic — it’s a playful way to talk about humor. |
| Bet | Means “okay,” “sure,” or “you got it.” | Try saying “bet” back — it’s a fun way to connect without overdoing it. |
| Cap / No cap | “Cap” means lie, “no cap” means truth or “for real.” | When you hear “no cap,” it’s a good time to talk about honesty and trust. |
| Sheesh | An exclamation that shows amazement or disbelief. | Ask what’s making them say “sheesh!” — it’s usually excitement, not frustration. |
| W / L | “W” means win; “L” means loss. Used to react to anything from a good lunch to a bad test score. | Ask, “What was your W today? What was your L?” It helps them reflect on their day. |
| It’s giving ___ | Means “it feels like” or “it has the vibe of.” Example: “It’s giving summer camp.” | You can mirror it back — “This dinner is giving cozy night in!” — for a playful connection. |
| 6-7 | A nonsense meme phrase from a viral song, used just for laughs or to feel “in on the joke.” | Instead of shutting it down, ask how many times today they heard it, and what was the funniest situation — it’s a peek into their peer world. |
| Fanum tax | Refers to taking a small portion of someone’s food or stuff (from a popular YouTuber joke). | If they jokingly say this at dinner, it’s lighthearted — but a reminder about asking first! |
| Sigma | Describes someone independent, confident, or “unbothered.” | Ask what they mean by “sigma” — it can spark talk about independence and self-esteem. |
| Delulu | Short for “delusional.” Used teasingly when someone’s dreaming big or out of touch. | You can use humor here — “I’m delulu if I think the laundry will fold itself.” Shows you’re listening. |
| NPC | Short for “non-playable character,” used to describe someone acting robotic or unaware. | If you hear this, ask why they said it — it’s a way kids talk about individuality. |
