Hey there, Smarty Pants.
Welcome back to another episode of Smarty Q, where I, your trusty narrator, answer amazing questions sent in by you.
My incredible Smarty Pants.
We have a great batch today, so let's get started.
Or should I say, smarted?
Question one comes from Samantha Megan and a whole lot of other smarty pants on Apple and Spotify who all want to know what is the deal with 6-7.
Who invented it and why?
Oh boy, here we go.
The phrase has several possible origins, one being Philadelphia rapper Skrilla's 2024 drill rap song titled Doot Doot 6-7, which features the repeated lyric 6-7.
However, when asked about the meaning, Skrilla stated he never put an actual meaning on it.
The sound from the song was quickly used in online video edits of professional basketball players, particularly NBA player LaMelo Ball, who happens to be six feet seven inches tall.
High school basketball prospect, Taylin Kinney, further popularized the phrase and an accompanying up-and-down hand gesture in his social media content.
And in March 2025, a video of a young boy nicknamed the 6'7 Kid excitedly yelling 6'7 and doing the hand gesture at a basketball game went viral.
It has since spread because kids love random humor.
It's easy to remix, and it works as a universal punchline.
These kinds of nonsense memes like Skibbity, Toilet or Ohio became modern inside jokes that millions share.
And the fact that it has...
No real meaning is all part of the fun.
Okay.
Question two comes from Smartyfan Aaron, who wants to know can hot water put out a fire as effectively as cold water?
The answer is yes, hot water can put out a fire.
However, cold water works better.
Water stops fire by cooling the flames and blocking oxygen.
Cold water absorbs more heat, so it cools faster.
But in an emergency, both hot and cold water will extinguish flames.
Question three comes from Isla in Frederick, Maryland.
Who wants to know why do some fish live in the sea and others live in lakes and rivers?
Great question.
It all comes down to salt.
Ocean fish live in salt water and must drink seawater while pushing excess salt out through their gills.
Freshwater fish live in lakes and rivers and must get rid of extra water while holding onto salt.
Only a few species, like salmon, can adapt to both.
As to how or why the different fish exist, it all has to do with evolution, adapting, and luck.
Okay, some great questions so far.
We'll be back with some more questions right after this quick break and a word from our sponsors.
This show is sponsored by IXL.
You know that, as the trusty narrator, I'm always eager to learn new things, even if I prefer to do it from the comfort of my own home.
That's why I'm excited to share a fantastic resource for homeschool families looking to start the new year with confidence.
I excel.
IXcel is an award-winning online learning platform that adapts to each child's level, making it the perfect companion for homeschooling.
With interactive practice across math, language arts, science and social studies from pre-K through 12th grade.
IXcel offers a personalized and flexible learning experience.
What I love most about IXL is how it keeps kids motivated with challenges, awards and moments of celebration.
Plus, the real-time feedback and progress tracking give parents peace of mind, knowing their children are learning effectively.
My niece used it to stay on top of subjects that she found challenging, and it was incredibly helpful to her.
So if you're looking to make an impact on your child's learning this year, get IXL now.
And as a special offer for our listeners, you can get an exclusive 20 off an IXL membership when you sign up today at ixlcom.
That's 20% off an IXL membership at ixl.com.
Now back to SmartEQ.
Question four comes from Teddy and his dad Bill.
They want to know, how do propellers make ships move?
Another great question.
Ship propellers act like underwater screws.
The ship's engine spins the propeller and the blades push water backward.
According to Newton's third law, pushing water backward pushes the ship forward.
The curved blade shape creates thrust that drives the ship ahead.
And to go in reverse, the propeller would spin in the opposite direction.
Okay, our fifth question comes from my smarty friend Robert, who wants to know why are blankets so soft?
Blankets are so soft and comfy due to their materials like brushed fleece or cotton, which provide warmth and gentle texture, as well as their weight, which offers deep pressure stimulation that calms your nervous system and boosts feel-good chemicals in your brain like serotonin and oxytocin, creating a sense of security, comfort and relaxation.
And as a bonus, we have a sixth question, a holdover Christmas question that I just had to answer.
Smartyfan Nia in Sequim, Washington wants to know, how did Santa Claus get his name?
Well, as I'm sure you know, Santa has a lot of names.
Santa Claus, Saint Nick, Kris Kringle, Father Christmas.
But where did Santa Claus actually come from?
Let's jingle back through history about 1700 years ago, to a kind man named Nicholas, who was known for helping kids, giving secretly to families in need and being both generous and caring.
People eventually began calling him Saint Nicholas.
Hundreds of years later, in the Netherlands, a country in Europe, people celebrated Sinterklaas, a magical gift giver based on St.
Nicholas.
When Dutch settlers came to America, specifically New York, which was once called New Amsterdam, they brought their traditions, including Sinterklaas.
However, Americans heard Sinterklaas and began saying it the English way, Santa Claus.
But the name Santa Claus is still based in the old Dutch name for St.
Nicholas.
Okay, Smarty Pants, that wraps up this episode of Smarty Qs.
Keep those amazing questions coming by emailing me at whosmarted at whosmarted.com.
Keep on being curious and keep on smarting.
