At a Glance
- ‘6-7’ tops Michigan’s Banished Words List.
- The list includes words like demure, incentivize, and my bad.
- The survey received 1,400 entries from 50 states and countries such as Uzbekistan, Brazil, and Japan.
- Why it matters: It shows how college students shape language trends and what words are falling out of favor.
A new Michigan college survey has spotlighted the quirky phrase ‘6-7’ as the most overused and misused term, topping the 50th annual Banished Words List released by Lake Superior State University.
Banished Words List Highlights
The tongue-in-cheek list, started in 1976 as a New Year’s Eve party idea, now names ‘6-7’ as ‘cooked’ and urges a full stop in 2025. The top ten words include:
- ‘6-7’
- demure
- incentivize
- perfect
- gift/gifted
- my bad
- reach out
Why ‘6-7’ Is Trending
The phrase exploded over summer, especially among Gen Z, but its meaning remains unclear. Dictionary.com editors wrote:
> “Don’t worry, because we’re all still trying to figure out exactly what it means,” the editors noted.
Alana Bobbitt, a 19-year-old sophomore at the University of Michigan, said:
> “I find joy in it. It’s a little bit silly, and even though I don’t understand what it means, it’s fun to use.”
Jalen Brezzell, a 19-year-old sophomore at the University of Michigan-Dearborn, replied:
> “Never. I don’t really get the joke,” Brezzell said.
David Travis, president of Lake Superior State University, commented:
> “I think ‘6-7’ next year will be gone,” Travis said.
International Participation
The survey gathered 1,400 submissions from all 50 states and countries outside the U.S., including Uzbekistan, Brazil, and Japan.
Key Takeaways
- ‘6-7’ is the top banned word for 2025.
- The list reflects youth vernacular and social media influence.
- Some words like my bad may persist long after others fade.
The survey highlights how quickly slang can rise and fall, offering a snapshot of student language habits as the new year approaches.
