'But what does it mean?!!!' is a phrase that has undoubtedly been uttered across the dinner table of households across the land in recent times. If your youngster has been walking around proclaiming ‘6,7’ as they hold invisible weights in their hands - and failing to give a satisfying explanation as to why - don’t worry: you’re not alone.
The truth is, unless every adult on the planet is a victim of a very clever conspiracy, ‘6,7’ doesn’t really mean anything - it’s simply something that kids say because they think it sounds cool (see also: ‘skibidi’.) Some claim that it originated from the 2024 Skrilla song Doot Doot (6 7), but there’s no doubt that it’s grown legs and its source has now become irrelevant.
There is only one person who has known the power of 6-7 since the beginning.... Ah ah ah! ⚡️🔢💜 pic.twitter.com/uadQC9VWMC
— Sesame Street (@sesamestreet) November 16, 2025
Before you get too wound up about kids parroting pointless phrases, however, remember that you were probably once guilty of it too. Here’s a reminder of the various nonsensical pop culture catchphrases that have done the rounds in previous generations - many of which started out in a TV or film show, but which quickly became commonplace from Melbourne to Macroom.
1. 'Whasssuupppppp?'
Whoever came up with this ad campaign for Budweiser in 1999 undoubtedly got a handsome bonus. Who would've thought that a group of friends on the phone to each other shouting 'Whasssuupppppp?’ would become ingrained in pop culture?
2. How You Doin’?
With honourable mentions to 'Pivot!' and Chandler’s ‘Could I BE anymore…’, it was Friends character Joey Tribbiani’s catchphrase that has endured long after the shutters came down on Central Perk. Tell the truth: you’ve definitely uttered this more than once.
3. Bom Chicka Wow Wow
Taken from an ad series for Lynx (or Axe, as it's known in the US) deodorant, there is something inherently ridiculous about the phrase 'Bom Chicka Wow Wow’ (nee 'Wah Wah') - but therein lies its appeal. When you can’t find the words to express your admiration for someone, ‘bom chicka wow wow’ does the trick. Just be warned: anyone outside the millennial generation may look at you a little strangely.
4. Schwing!
Wayne's World gave us many things, not least two of the best on-screen friends in film history in Wayne and Garth. The 1992 comedy also provided us with the immortal catchphrase 'Schwing!’ (closely followed by ‘..... not!’) - yet another way of expressing your attraction to someone. It arguably hasn’t aged well given current social mores, but it was certainly an oft-heard phrase in its day.
5. I Am Cornholio!
If you came of age watching MTV in the 1990s, you'll undoubtedly have been glued to the iconic Beavis and Butt-Head, the sitcom created by Mike Judge about the immature heavy-metal loving teenage duo. Not only did it introduce the world 'doofus’ as an insult to the Irish lexicon, but it had kids and teenagers imitating Beavis as his over-stimulated/over-caffeinated ‘Cornholio’ alter-ego. To all the parents we tortured with nonsensical phrases like ‘I am Cornholio! I need TP for my bunghole!’... sorry about that.
Lauren Murphy is the host of culture podcast Get Around To It
