turned to a University of Cincinnati communications expert to explain why kids latch onto in-jokes like "6-7."
The sequential numbers apparently started as a reference to 6-foot, 7-inch pro basketball player LaMelo Ball, but they have taken on a meaningless life of their own.
UC College of Arts and Sciences Professor Gail Fairhurst told CNN that the fun of in-jokes is that they only make sense to people in the know. The more baffled outsiders are, the funnier the joke is.
This is the generation, after all, that gave us "skibidi toilet."
"It becomes a language game to them that, it would seem, only folks in their group know how to play," Fairhurst said.
She is a distinguished research professor in UC's School of Communication, Film, and Media Studies. She was recognized last year with a lifetime achievement award from the International Leadership Association for her contributions to the study and practice of leadership.
"Language is a way for people to form community," Fairhurst told CNN. "Even if it's a nonsense term, if they seem to know what it means, that can be a unifying force. And if somebody isn't understanding the term, it can exclude people from that community, as well."
Featured image at top: UC Distinguished Research Professor Gail Fairhurst talked to CNN about the latest middle school slang. Photo/Joseph Fuqua II/UC
UC Distinguished Research Professor Gail Fairhurst talked to CNN about Gen Alpha's latest baffling slang. Photo/Joseph Fuqua II/UC
