On a December evening, Baltimore sixth‑grade teacher Kayla Manigault was typing up lesson plans when she glanced at the school year on her template and froze.
Next year: 2026-2027. She screamed so loudly that her boyfriend, also a teacher, ran into the room.
She realized a viral classroom chant was about to dominate the incoming calendar.
The Unexpected Chant
The chant, called “Six‑Seven,” was identified by Dictionary.com as its 2025 Word of the Year.
It is often accompanied by a double‑hand gesture, the kind you might use to indicate you’re weighing two options.
The slang doesn’t have a defined meaning; it’s more about the fun, the rhythm, and the chaos it inspires.
Kayla’s Instagram Post
Thinking others might appreciate the humor, Manigault shared a playful warning on Instagram, captioning it, “God help us all.”
The post went viral overnight, drawing a flood of sympathetic groans from fellow teachers and parents.
Reactions from Teachers and Parents
One comment read, “I am genuinely sorry for you educators. My condolences during this hard time.”.
Another said, “My son’s birthday is June 7th… 6/7. Please respect my privacy during this hard time.”.
A third comment, “I banned 6,7 so they started saying 6,9 and now I’m begging for 6,7 back.”.
Someone else added, “Replying back ‘8 9’ apparently irks the youths and shuts it down. It’ll get old when the “old people” ‘get in on it.'”.
Kayla’s Perspective
Despite the backlash, Manigault finds the trend endearing.
She told TODAY, “I want to celebrate that,” she told TODAY, “Sure it’s repetitive, but it’s harmless fun. And I’ve learned to appreciate it.”.
She admits the nonstop chanting can be grating, but also sees it as a rare source of joy for students juggling multiple classes, big emotions, and challenges at home.
In the end, the “Six‑Seven” chant illustrates how a simple rhythm can become a shared experience, even as teachers navigate its impact in the classroom.
Hi, I’m Ethan R. Coleman, a dedicated journalist and content creator at newsoflosangeles.com — your trusted source for the latest news, insights, and stories from Los Angeles and beyond.
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