“Children Choose ‘Six-Seven’ as Slang Word of the Year”

Insights on Children’s Awareness of Current Issues

In addition to the selection of slang, Oxford University Press also announced “peace” as the Oxford Children’s Word of the Year for 2025. The term received 35% of the votes, narrowly surpassing “AI,” which took 33%, while “resilience” was chosen by 21% of participants. This selection reflects children’s growing awareness of global issues. Notably, approximately 10% of children cited “war” when asked why they chose “peace,” with some mentioning ongoing conflicts in locations such as Ukraine and Gaza.

The recurring choice of “AI” as a runner-up for the second consecutive year underscores its significance in the lives of young people. A fifth of the children surveyed, or 20%, mentioned that their engagement with AI-related topics influenced their choice, demonstrating how deeply integrated this technology has become in daily life. Responses regarding feelings associated with the word were predominantly positive, with more than 10% of children describing it as “exciting.”

Andrea Quincey, director of early years and primary publishing at Oxford University Press, emphasized the findings of the research, stating that it illustrates how attuned children are to current affairs. She remarked, “Whether that’s calling for peace in response to current conflicts or highlighting how AI has permeated daily life.” Quincey also noted the significance of “six-seven” being overwhelmingly voted by children, indicating its role in fostering laughter, joy, and connection among friends.

This research reflects the importance of children’s agency in shaping their language, allowing them to create a space that is distinct from adult conversations. As the dialogue around language evolves, it is evident that children are not only observers but active participants in defining the words that resonate with their experiences.