Banished Words for 2026: The Phrase 6-7 Is 6-7
Every year, Lake Superior State University takes a big swing at our vocabulary choices. 2026 is the university’s 50th year of calling out words and phrases it believes the world…
The definition is in the words.
Toncsi/Shutterstock.comEvery year, Lake Superior State University takes a big swing at our vocabulary choices. 2026 is the university's 50th year of calling out words and phrases it believes the world has officially worn out. The Banished Words List is a tradition dating back decades. It highlights expressions the school says have been overused, misused, or driven people crazy.
The list reflects the current moment, especially the language trends shaped by social media and younger generations.
Banished Words List Highlights
Topping this year’s list is the mysterious term “6-7.” The phrase has gone viral among young people online and in everyday conversation, but its meaning remains fuzzy at best. Even those who use it often struggle to define it clearly, leaving older generations confused and occasionally annoyed. That lack of clarity is one of the main reasons it earned a spot on the list. The short answer to "What does 6-7 mean?" It means "so-so."
Other entries include familiar conversational staples like “my bad” and “reach out,” along with buzzwords such as “incentivize” and “demure.” According to the university, these words tend to surge in popularity during certain cultural moments before becoming a form of verbal clutter. I, for one, don't mind seeing "reach out" or "incentivize" on the list, but "my bad" isn't one I'm giving up on just yet.
There's No Shame in the Game
The Banished Words List isn’t meant to shame anyone. Conversely, its purpose is to reflect how language evolves and how quickly trends rise and fall. Social media, short-form videos, and viral slang now play a major role in accelerating that cycle, pushing phrases into the mainstream almost overnight.
Some expressions probably aren't going anywhere. Other terms like “6-7” could soon feel dated, waiting to be replaced by the next inside joke or viral catchphrase waiting in the wings. Think "sibidi rizz."
Sadly, I always see several phrases I use on the list. "My bad." I'm not the only one using that phrase.
For now, the list serves as a vernacular time capsule. The Banish Words List is a snapshot of how people speak, text, and post during this particular cultural moment. You can view Lake Superior's full Banished Word List of 2026 on llsu.edu.
