Zoe Saldana is on a mission to understand the latest Gen Alpha slang, zeroing in on the mysterious phrase “6-7” that has become a viral sensation in 2025. As the Oscar-winning actress keeps up with the evolving lingo, she openly shares the challenges it brings, blending humor and determination.
Zoe Saldana’s Candid Take on Gen Alpha’s Lingo Trends
During a conversation with PEOPLE, Saldana, who is 47 and a mom to three Gen Alpha children, reflected on how “6-7” captured her curiosity more than any other pop culture moment this year. She admitted,
“This whole 6-7 thing has been, oh God, an absolute anomaly,”
—Zoe Saldana, actress. The phrase has become a true enigma for her, highlighting how quickly internet slang can baffle those not in its core demographic. Saldana doubled down on her goal to catch up, saying,
“I am so hyper-focused on this Gen Alpha lingo, and I’m gonna get it.”
—Zoe Saldana, actress.
Her efforts to blend into her kids’ world are evident, especially as she experiments with words like “aura,” a Gen Alpha term describing someone’s distinct vibe or “cool factor.” Saldana laughed about her struggles, sharing,
“But every time I think I’m preserving my aura, that’s when I’m told I lost it,”
—Zoe Saldana, actress. Her attempts to relate resonate with other parents facing generational language gaps, creating relatable and touching moments.
Decoding the “6-7” Phenomenon and Its Origins
The infamous “6-7” phrase traces its roots to Skrilla’s hit song “Doot Doot (6 7),” a track that loops the chant “6-7” without ever offering a straightforward definition. The ambiguity fueled debates online about its true meaning. NBA player LaMelo Ball accidentally became part of the craze simply because his height—6 feet, 7 inches—matched the phrase, giving fans another angle to play with the meme. By October 2025, usage of “6-7” grew so explosively that Dictionary.com officially named it the Word of the Year.
Saldana Finds Support in Unlocking Internet Slang
As Saldana seeks to better understand comedic internet language, she’s found help from online star Druski. The two team up with actor Harvey Guillén in a lively T-Mobile campaign that puts improvisation front and center, as the brand promotes its rapid 15-minute carrier switch service. Reflecting on stepping outside scripted lines for the ad, Saldana said,
“If I lean heavily and solely on the lines, then I leave very little space for improvisation or catching anything that may occur that is not even planned,”
—Zoe Saldana, actress. She highlighted the magic of spontaneous comedy, adding,
“It’s those moments that are absolutely special, and Druski does it so beautifully.”
—Zoe Saldana, actress.
With Zoe Saldana’s energy and willingness to join the conversation, Gen X parents everywhere may find themselves inspired to keep pace with Gen Alpha slang. As icons like Saldana, Druski, and LaMelo Ball get swept up in these viral moments, language and pop culture continue to evolve, ensuring the generational dialogue remains lively and unexpected into the future.
