Colman Noctor: Do 'brain-rot' chants actually aid cognitive development?

Children spend so much of their lives under the authority of adults (teachers, parents, and caregivers) that they enjoy discovering or inventing phrases that give them a sense of independence. 

‘Brain-rot’ phrases are not limited to ‘six-seven’. Variations of this trend include ‘Sigma’ and ‘Skibidi Toilet’, among others. So why are children using codified language that adults cannot understand?

If you've recently overheard a group of children chanting ‘six-seven!’, whether in a supermarket, a playground, or during a maths class, you’ve witnessed the latest viral ‘brain-rot’ craze. 

The phrase, originating from a TikTok audio clip, now populates school corridors and family homes.