Six-Six-Six: Definition, Meaning, and Origin

Last Updated on
August 17, 2023

The phrase "six-six-six" or 666 is a number that carries different meanings in different contexts. It's a set of three sixes and can be seen in various places like addresses, phone numbers, or license plates. But it has gained more attention due to its symbolic meanings in religion, numerology, and pop culture. The number is often associated with negative or ominous connotations but can have neutral or positive interpretations in some cultures and fields.

In short:

  • "Six-six-six" is just a series of three sixes when taken at face value.
  •  It is largely seen as a symbol of evil in religious or biblical contexts.

What Does "Six-Six-Six" Mean?

As an idiomatic expression, six-six-six means the number that represents the devil or the antichrist in Christianity. According to the Book of Revelation, the last book of the Bible, six-six-six is the number of the beast, a powerful and evil figure that will rise during the end times and oppose God and his followers. The number is also called the mark of the beast because those who worship the beast will have his name or number on their forehead or right hand.

Let's dive into its main meanings and uses:

  • "Six-six-six" is often linked to negative or evil connotations due to its reference in the Bible's Book of Revelation as the "number of the beast."
  • You might use it in a sentence like, "The movie used the number six-six-six to hint at the villain's true nature."
  • Despite its ominous biblical association, it can have neutral or positive meanings in other contexts. For example, in Chinese culture, repeating numbers, including six-six-six, are considered lucky.
  • It's also used in various forms of media and entertainment to create a sense of mystery or fear.
  • Some people avoid the number due to its negative symbolism, while others may use or encounter it without attaching any special significance to it.

Where Does "Six-Six-Six" Come From?

The number "six-six-six" has been around as long as numbers have existed. But its symbolic meaning comes from religious texts, specifically the Christian Bible. In the Book of Revelation, it is referred to as the "number of the beast" and has since become associated with evil or the devil. This religious context has heavily influenced its interpretation in Western culture.

Historical Example

"Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six."

- Book of Revelation, 13:18

10 Examples of "Six-Six-Six" in Sentences

To help you understand how to use "six-six-six," here are some examples from different scenarios:

  • The haunted house's address in the horror movie was six-six-six, adding to its spooky atmosphere.
  • The six-six-six pattern on the slot machine seemed like a bad omen, so I decided to err on the side of caution and collect my winnings.
  • His new phone number strangely ended with the digits six-six-six.
  • I hope all is well with you, but seeing six-six-six on the scoreboard sure gave us a scare.
  • The race car with the number six-six-six surprisingly won the race despite starting last.
  • The code six-six-six popped up on the screen, and my heart skipped a beat. That's a new one for me.
  • Six-six-six appeared in the puzzle, which really threw me off as I wasn't expecting such a twist.
  • Just for kicks, John chose six-six-six as his lucky number, despite the superstitions surrounding it.
  • The antique shop sold a grandfather clock from the 18th century for six hundred and sixty-six dollars.
  • Little did we know that selecting six-six-six as our team number would make us the butt of the joke.

Examples of "Six-Six-Six" in Pop Culture

The number "six-six-six" often comes up in pop culture, usually signifying something ominous or evil.

Let's look at some examples:

  • The iconic heavy metal band Iron Maiden released a song titled "The Number of the Beast," which prominently features the line: "Six, six, six, the number of the beast."
  • The Canadian rapper Drake uses the adlib "Six six six" in several of his songs, as discussed on the subreddit r/Drizzy.
  • The American rock band 'Say Anything' released a song titled "Six Six Six," as featured on their ambitious album 'Hebrews.'
  • On Spotify, there's a 2016 single by Sunni Soper & Bucky O'Hare titled "Six-Six-Six."
  • The Finnish rock band HIM named one of their CDs "Your Sweet Six Six Six," indicating the influence of the number in pop culture, as mentioned in the book "Apocalypse Soon?: Religion and Popular Culture in the United States".
  • In the memoir "Night Class: A Downtown Memoir," the author mentions the purchase of a cheeky Page "Six Six Six" shirt.

Other/Different Ways to Say "Six-Six-Six"

There are not many expressions that convey the same meaning as "six-six-six." However, it can be referred to in different ways depending on the context.

Here are some examples:

  • The number of the beast
  • The devil's number
  • The ominous triple six
  • The unlucky number
  • The scary three sixes

Remember, while "six-six-six" can have negative connotations due to certain religious beliefs, it's just another number in many other contexts. Its meaning can change based on where and how it's used.

10 Frequently Asked Questions About "Six-Six-Six":

  • What does "six-six-six" mean?

"Six-six-six" is a number that's gained various symbolic meanings over time. In some contexts, it's associated with evil due to its reference in the Bible's Book of Revelation as the "number of the beast." In others, like Chinese culture, it may be considered lucky.

  • How can I use "six-six-six" in a sentence?

You can use "six-six-six" as a noun in a sentence. For example: "The six-six-six page of the book was missing, and it felt like a mystery novel in and of itself."

  • Is "six-six-six" always associated with evil?

No, while "six-six-six" is often associated with evil or the devil due to its reference in the Bible, it doesn't always carry this connotation. Its meaning can vary depending on the context and culture.

  • Where did the evil connotation of "six-six-six" come from?

The negative connotation of "six-six-six" comes from the Christian Bible, specifically the Book of Revelation, where it's referred to as the "number of the beast" and associated with the devil or an evil entity.

  • Can "six-six-six" be used in a neutral or positive way?

Yes, "six-six-six" can have neutral or even positive connotations in some contexts. For example, in Chinese culture, repeating numbers including six-six-six are considered lucky.

  • How is "six-six-six" used in pop culture?

"Six-six-six" is often used in movies, music, and literature to create a sense of mystery, fear, or to signify something evil. For example, the rock band Iron Maiden has a song titled "The Number of the Beast" which refers to the number six-six-six.

  • Why do some people avoid the number "six-six-six"?

Some people avoid the number "six-six-six" due to its negative symbolism in certain religious beliefs, particularly Christianity, where it's associated with the devil or an evil entity.

  • Does "six-six-six" have any significance in numerology?

In numerology, "six-six-six" could be interpreted differently based on the specific theories or systems used. However, numerology often focuses more on single-digit numbers, so a three-digit number like six-six-six might not have a standard interpretation.

  • Is "six-six-six" used in any famous works of art or literature?

Yes, "six-six-six" has been used in various works of art and literature, often to symbolize evil or create a sense of mystery. For example, it's referenced in the famous poem "The Waste Land" by T.S. Eliot.

  • Can "six-six-six" refer to something other than a number?

While "six-six-six" is primarily a number, it can symbolically refer to something else in certain contexts. For example, in the Bible's Book of Revelation, it's referred to as the "number of the beast," symbolizing an evil entity.

Final Thoughts About "Six-Six-Six"

The term "six-six-six" carries different meanings in different contexts. While it's often associated with negative or ominous connotations due to its reference to the Bible, it can also have neutral or even positive interpretations in some cultures and fields.

Here's a quick recap:

  • "Six-six-six" is just a series of three sixes when taken at face value.
  • It holds symbolic meanings in various areas, such as religion, numerology, and pop culture.
  • Its meaning changes depending on the context it's used in, ranging from an ordinary count to symbolic interpretations in various fields and cultures.

Whether seen as a mere number, a sign of luck, or an omen of evil, "six-six-six" continues to fascinate and intrigue due to its varied interpretations and uses.

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