‘6-7’ Teen Slang Traces Roots to Medieval England, Shakespearean Era

LONDON, England — November 20, 2025 — The contemporary slang expression “6-7,” commonly used among teenagers today, has origins that extend back to medieval England, according to historical research. The phrase, which has recently gained popularity on social media platforms, can be traced to dice games played in the 14th century and was notably referenced in William Shakespeare’s play “Richard II.”

Experts studying the evolution of English language and cultural expressions have identified that “6-7” was a term associated with dice rolls in games dating to the 1300s. During this period, dice games were a popular pastime, and certain combinations, such as rolling a six and a seven, held particular significance, often linked to luck or chance.

The phrase’s endurance over centuries is further evidenced by its appearance in Shakespeare’s work, where it was used to convey ideas related to fate and fortune. “Richard II,” written in the late 16th century, includes dialogue that references “6-7,” illustrating how the term had permeated English vernacular by that time.

Linguists and historians note that the survival of such a phrase highlights the continuity and transformation of language across generations. While the modern usage of “6-7” among teenagers often lacks direct connection to its historical meaning, its persistence underscores the layered nature of English slang.

The recent resurgence of “6-7” on platforms like TikTok and Twitter has sparked interest among language enthusiasts and scholars, prompting investigations into its deeper roots. This phenomenon demonstrates how digital culture can revive and repurpose archaic expressions, often without users being aware of their origins.

According to authorities on historical linguistics, the phrase’s medieval association with gambling and chance reflects broader social practices of the time, when games of chance were both entertainment and a metaphor for life’s unpredictability. Shakespeare’s use of “6-7” further embedded the phrase into literary tradition, ensuring its survival through centuries of linguistic change.

The discovery of “6-7″’s medieval background offers insight into how language evolves and how contemporary slang can be connected to historical contexts. It also provides a reminder of the enduring influence of early English literature on modern speech.

As “6-7” continues to circulate in youth culture, researchers suggest that such findings enrich understanding of language as a living, adaptive system shaped by history, culture, and social interaction. The phrase’s journey from medieval dice tables to Shakespeare’s stage and now to digital conversations exemplifies the dynamic nature of English.

Further studies are expected to explore other slang terms with similarly deep historical roots, shedding light on the complex interplay between past and present in everyday language use.