The rise of meme numbers

Freshman Colin King does the viral "6-7" hand movement (Aiden Damasco / The Puma Prensa)

By Aiden Damasco, Staff Writer

Those who have been in a mathematics class within the past few months have been subject to a new type of internet meme that comes from one of the last things one would imagine to turn into a phenomenon: numbers.

To one who is not up to date, this all may seem like complete and utter nonsense, but students and young people alike assure that it all does have a meaning, but remains meaningless.

The meme numbers originate from a variety of different sources. The most popular of its type, “6-7,” originates from the 2024 song “Doot Doot,” written by American rapper Skrilla. This meme was further popularized by Maverick Trevillain, an American teenager who was recorded shouting the number while watching a basketball game in Youtuber Cam Wilder’s video My Overpowered AAU Team has Finally Returned!

Trevillain’s viral presence has also branched off into a new meme about his appearance. “Mason” is a viral internet slang term referring to a white American boy with fluffy hair and ice cream shorts, much like Trevillain. However, most usually make unfunny jokes and reuse them until the meme is stale and a new phrase or viral sensation comes out.

In addition, the number “41” originated from 41 Song (Saks Freestyle) by American rapper Blizzi Boi. In the song, Blizzi Boi refers to how he owns forty-one of everything. The song was popularized shortly after “6-7” due to the similarities.

Each of the numbers is accompanied by a distinct hand movement. For example, “6-7” involves placing your palms out upward and raising your hands. The “41” hand movement is similar, placing your palms downward and moving them side to side. Other variations of pre-existing meme numbers also are prevalent, including “negative” variants, which are the same as the original but done in the opposite direction.

These numbers have been considered by some to be the first ever “eternal” meme, but it seems we will have to wait six to seven years to see if they truly stand the test of time.