“Six Seven” and Generation Z
Matthew 24:34: “Truly I tell you, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened.”
Two prominent “buzzwords” that have emerged among today’s generation are “memes” and “Six Seven.” A meme refers to an idea, style, behavior, image, or video that spreads rapidly—often undergoing imitation and modification—across the internet. Within Generation Z, specifically those currently in their teens, we find a cohort that has grown up entirely surrounded by digital technology since early childhood.
This is a generation whose personal values and worldview have been shaped through the daily, habitual use of social media. Having come of age amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, they are more accustomed to existing within their own private worlds. Consequently, they are highly attuned to the new trends that are communicated and shared via social media platforms.
Currently, the figures exerting the greatest influence on them are rappers. “Six Seven”—a phrase popularized by the rapper Skrilla—is an online meme that has gained immense popularity among teenagers. It functions as an interjectional expression, similar in context to Korean slang terms such as *Heol* (an exclamation of surprise) or *Eojjeol* (a dismissive retort).
In terms of meaning, it carries no specific significance; rather, it is used to convey nuances such as “it’s just okay” or “well, I guess that could happen.” It is a catchphrase characterized by its very lack of meaning—a slang term roughly equivalent to “not bad” or “that’s plausible.”
Dictionary.com, a prominent online dictionary in the U.S., has designated “Six Seven” as a defining term for the next generation.
Dictionary.com explained that this phrase serves as a symbolic expression, illustrating how the younger generation communicates and fosters a sense of belonging through the concept of “meaninglessness.” It represents a frightening form of “rejection” and “disconnection.” Once again, it brings to mind the Lord’s warning. “This generation will not pass away until all these things have happened.”
To communicate with this “Gen Z,” it is essential to use their language—including their slang—to foster a sense of kinship, and to share with them the Gospel that they so deeply need.
Storytelling—sharing how God has revealed Himself and worked in my own life, while making every effort to use their own vocabulary—is of paramount importance.
The way to reach the “Six-Seven Generation”—those who tend to view the events of the world as almost entirely “meaningless”—lies not in delivering “old-fashioned lectures,” but in engaging in honest, even vulnerable, storytelling.
This past week was a time of realization: that the only effective way to reach them is to honestly share “God’s story”—the story of how He stood with us in our moments of greatest weakness and revealed His strength through us.
Once again, this morning, Hymn 205—”Tell Me the Story of Jesus”—touches my heart deeply.
Tell me the story of Jesus, write on my heart every word;
Tell me the story most precious, sweetest that ever was heard.
Tell how the angels in glory sang at the birth of the Lord;
Tell how the shepherds adored Him, bringing their gifts to their Lord.
Tell me the story of Jesus, tell me the story of Jesus;
Tell me the story of Jesus, write on my heart every word.
