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Funny Numbers

|< < Prev #3184 (December 22, 2025)

Title text: In 1899, people were walking around shouting '23' at each other and laughing, and confused reporters were writing articles trying to figure out what it meant.

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Explanation

This comic refers to the recent brainrot meme "6 7", often accompanied by moving your hands up and down.

While many people think this is a novel activity of the latest generation of kids, the comic points out that there's a long history of young people finding ways to have fun with certain numbers.

The other numbers listed:

• 23 originated about 1899, and was later combined with the nonsense word "skidoo" into the phrase "23 skidoo". It relates to leaving quickly.

• 42 probably refers to Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, in which this number is the answer to the ultimate question of life, the universe, and everything.

• 1,337 is leet-speak for the word "elite".

• 69 -- if you have to ask, you're not old enough.

• 58,008 spells "BOOBS" if you put it into a calculator and turn it upside down.

• 420 is slang for smoking marijuana.

The title text claims that the media reaction to "23" around the turn of the 20th century was very similar to the current reaction to "67".

Transcript

[According to the sign, the comic takes place at the "Mathematical society 2025 meeting." Below, four characters are talking to each other. That is, from left to right, Hairbun, Cueball, Megan, and Ponytail. Ponytail is standing next to a whiteboard, holding a marker. The board contains, in order: 23 (skidoo!), 42, 1,337, 69, 58,008, 420, 6 7. Ponytail has circled "6 7".]

Hairbun: Any other new developments from the year to cover before we wrap?

Cueball: Oh, the teens picked a new funny number.

Megan: Aww, I'm glad to hear they're still doing that.

Ponytail: I'll add it to the list.

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