In‑N‑Out says it did not purge “67” from registers after viral “6‑7” meme; claims appear unverified
In‑N‑Out says it did not remove ’67’ from registers after a viral ‘6‑7’ meme, or take official action tied to that trend; there is no evidence the meme was named 2025’s Word of the Year by established authorities.
Key takeaways
- No verifiable corporate action: In‑N‑Out has no public statement or documentation showing it removed the number 67 (or 69) from registers in response to a meme.
- No Word‑of‑the‑Year evidence: Major lexicographers and the American Dialect Society list no “6‑7 meme” as 2025’s Word of the Year.
- Viral spread without corroboration: Social screenshots and posts amplified the story but independent media and corporate checks found no support.
- Local impact unlikely: For San Luis Obispo, the claim has no substantive economic or policy implications; it’s mainly a social‑media curiosity.
Viral claim and how it spread
Social posts and screenshots circulating this month asserted that In‑N‑Out had “scrubbed” the number 67 from store registers after a TikTok‑style trend called the “6‑7” meme went viral. Some versions amplified a further claim that the meme had been declared “2025’s Word of the Year.” Other iterations referenced a prior removal of 69 for similar reasons.
These items spread rapidly across platforms where jokes, memes and reused screenshots are common. Viral posts often mix accurate brand details with fabricated specifics about internal systems or corporate policy, creating plausible but unverified urban‑legend‑style claims.
What reputable sources show — corporate and media checks
Corporate check: We reviewed the In‑N‑Out official site and did not find any notice about removing specific numbers from point‑of‑sale systems or menus. For store contact information see In‑N‑Out contact.
Media check: Searches of mainstream outlets that commonly report on restaurant chains — including local and national press — turned up reporting on menu items and cultural impact but no verified story showing a numbering purge tied to the “6‑7” meme.
Word‑of‑the‑Year check: Leading authorities that publish Word‑of‑the‑Year information do not list a “6‑7 meme” for 2025. See Oxford Languages, Merriam‑Webster, Collins and the American Dialect Society.
Specific citation check: Posts citing an alleged People magazine interview of an In‑N‑Out employee were not supported by search results; see People search (no matching article found).
“The story appears to be an example of a fast food urban legend or viral claim that spread online without corroboration from reliable news or corporate statements.”
Why fast food stories like this circulate
Fast food brands often occupy outsized cultural space, creating fertile ground for urban legends. Chains with secret menus and enthusiastic fan communities are especially vulnerable to rumor. Social media accelerates recycling of screenshots and jokes that can appear authoritative.
There are genuine precedents for number avoidance in other contexts (for example, skipping floor 13), but those cases are documented and tied to long‑standing cultural or safety reasons — unlike the unverified, meme‑driven claim about In‑N‑Out and 67.
What to do when you encounter a viral claim about a local business
- Check the business’s official channels: corporate website and verified social accounts — e.g., In‑N‑Out contact.
- Search reputable news and fact‑checking sites: look for direct quotes and primary links; for general guidance see Snopes.
- Treat screenshots cautiously: posts without source links can be fabricated or taken out of context.
- Contact the local store: call a franchise directly if the claim would affect customers or operations.
Sources and context for this investigation
Primary sources checked and cited:
- In‑N‑Out official site and In‑N‑Out contact
- Oxford Languages: Word of the Year information
- Merriam‑Webster: Word of the Year pages
- Collins Dictionary: Word of the Year
- American Dialect Society: Word of the Year page
- People magazine search (no matching article found)
- Snopes (fact‑checking resource)
- Triskaidekaphobia (context on number avoidance)
Implications for San Luis Obispo, California
Economic impact: Local businesses and fast‑food outlets in San Luis Obispo are unlikely to be affected; there is no evidence of register code or menu changes at In‑N‑Out. At most, curious customers might visit drive‑thrus, producing a short‑term bump in traffic.
Political and governance consequences: The claim has no bearing on city or county decisions. Local officials need not act, though the episode can serve as a reminder about media literacy and verification in public communication.
Social and cultural effects: San Luis Obispo’s student population and active social communities may amplify unverified stories. Encouraging verification of primary sources can limit spread and confusion.
Conclusion
This investigation found no reliable evidence that In‑N‑Out removed “67” or “69” from its ordering system because of a viral “6‑7” meme, and no record that the meme was named 2025’s Word of the Year by established linguistic organizations. The episode is an example of how plausible‑sounding fast food urban legends can spread widely without factual backing. Always check official corporate channels and reputable fact‑checking sources before sharing sensational claims.
