Viral '6-7' tops 2025 list of overused words and phrases

Respondents to an annual Michigan college survey of overused and misused words and phrases say "6-7" is "cooked" and should come to a massive full-stop heading into the new year.

Those are among the top 10 words on the 50th annual "Banished Words List," released Thursday by Lake Superior State University. The tongue-in-cheek roundup of overused slang started in 1976 as a New Year's Eve party idea, and is affectionately called the list of "Queen's English for Mis-use, Over-use and General Uselessness."

Around 1,400 submissions came from all 50 states and a number of countries outside the U.S., including Uzbekistan, Brazil and Japan, according to Lake Superior State.

Also in the top 10 are "demure," "incentivize," "perfect," "gift/gifted," "my bad" and "reach out." "My bad" and "reach out" also made the list decades ago — in 1998 and 1994, respectively.

"The list definitely represents the fad and vernacular trends of the younger generation," said David Travis, Lake Superior State University president. "Social media allows a greater opportunity to misunderstand or misuse words. We're using terms that are shared through texting, primarily, or through posting with no body language or tone context. It's very easy to misunderstand these words."

Few phrases in 2025befuddled parents, teachers and others over the age of, say 40, more than "6-7." Dictionary.com even picked it as their2025 word of the year, while other dictionaries chosewords like "slop"and "rage bait."

But what does "6-7" actually mean? It exploded over the summer, especially among Gen Z, and is considered by many to be nonsensical in meaning — an inside joke driven by social media.

"Don't worry, because we're all still trying to figure out exactly what it means," the dictionary's editors wrote.

Each number can be spoken aloud as "six, seven." They even can be combined as the number 67; atcollege basketball games, some fans explode when a team reaches that point total.

The placement of "6-7" at the top of the banished list puts it in good company. In 2019, thecenturies-old Latin phrase "quid pro quo"was the top requested phrase to ban from popular use. In 2017, "fake news" got the most votes.

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Alana Bobbitt, a 19-year-old sophomore at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, is unapologetic about using "6-7."

"I find joy in it," Bobbitt said. "It's a little bit silly, and even though I don't understand what it means, it's fun to use."

Jalen Brezzell says a small group of his friends use "6-7" and that it comes up a couple of times each week. But he won't utter it.

"Never. I don't really get the joke," said Brezzell, a 19-year-old sophomore at the University of Michigan-Dearborn. "I don't see what's funny about it."

But banning it, even in jest, might be a bit of a stretch, he said, adding that he does use other words and phrases on the list.

"I've always used the word 'cooked,'" Brezzell said. "I just think it got popular on the internet over this past year. It's saying, like, 'give it up, it's over.'"

Some of the phrases do have longevity, Travis said.

"I don't think they'll ever go away, like 'at the end of the day,'" he said. "I used 'my bad' today. I feel comfortable using it. I started using it when I was young. A lot of us older people are still using it."

Travis said that while some terms on the list "will stick around in perpetuity," others will be fleeting.

"I think '6-7,' next year, will be gone," he said.

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January 01, 2026

Viral '6-7' tops 2025 list of overused words and phrases

Respondents to an annual Michigan college survey of overused and misused words and phrases say "6-7" is "c...

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The 8 Coolest Hair Trends You'll See in 2026

"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."

Ready to make a big hair change in the new year? Or maybe you just want to do something subtle, but current? Either way, the biggest 2026hair trendsare here to guide you. We tapped top hairstylists and colorists to share their predictions for what will be most in-demand, from the haircuts celebs like Sabrina Carpenter and Tyla are already wearing to the sure-to-go-viral hair colors. Find your next big look ahead.

Architectural Layer Cut

Celebrity hairstylistRodrigo Padillasays "a clean silhouette with internal lightness and sculpted movement," like the look above on Suki Waterhouse, will be big this year, adding that "the outline stays polished while the internal layers create subtle air and softness."

Liquid Contour Bob

The latest take on the perennially popular bob is a "one-length or micro-graduated bob finished with a liquid reflective surface that contours the jawline and elevates facial structure," says Padilla. "It reads modern and powerful without noise." Tyla was in on the trend early, as seen in the photo above.

Deep Brunette Color

Padilla refers to these as "museum tones," which are "rich tonal brunettes like espresso, cacao, and inky black with soft diffused light." (See: Dakota Johnson's deep hue.) Celebrity hairstylistStephanie Angeloneagrees that darker hues are having a moment, "specifically the rich chocolate browns." Part of the reason, she suggests, is hair health. "Highlights and bleach can be damaging over time, going brunette is giving women a break from the harsh chemicals and leaving their hair rich and shiny. It's also less maintenance for those who aren't a natural blond."

Glaze SuperGloss Color Conditioning Hair Gloss - Brunette Sleek Espresso Brown - 6.4 fl oz

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Color Fanatic Top Coat + Tone Hair Gloss

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Sculpted Ponytail

The classic high pony, like Kerry Washington's here, is seeing a resurgence. "A sleek, lifted ponytail with a perfectly secured base and a single intentional detail, such as a ribbon fold or a minimalist cuff, is refined, intentional, and incredibly photogenic," says Padilla.

Teasing Brush

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Marble Dome Pony Cuff

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A-List Collection Instant Fix Styling Stick

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Headscarves

"Headscarves are replacing the typical headband," says Angelone. "I love that they're versatile and can be worn in many styles to frame the face." She notes that the accessories were spotted all over Copenhagen Fashion Week this past fall, so we'll likely see them continue to pop up on runways and beyond.

Printed Twill Scarf

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Medium Silk Bandana

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Crochet Head Piece

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Butterfly Cut

Sabrina Carpenter's signature haircut is requested "more and more," according to Angelone. And she's A-OK with the trend continuing on for another year: "I love this cut, as adding layers and curtain bangs escalates any hairstyle, length, or texture."

Curtain Bangs

While blunt bangs can be hit or miss, curtain bangs like Chloe Fineman's are more forgiving, saysJoseph Maine, celebrity stylist and founder of Trademark Beauty. "The curtain bang can be cut in a way that grows out really nicely and can be created with a very small section in the hairline, giving the haircut some added style," he says. "Most face shapes can handle curtain bangs as they are a soft style."

Hot Rod Styling Brush

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Creaseless Hair Clips

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Self-Holding Rollers

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Color-Melting

Single-process, whomst?Multidimensional colorallows hues "to evolve without being one exact shade," says celebrity coloristRita Hazan. "Jessica Simpson is a perfect example, as I just recently made her hot chocolate brunette—deepening her traditional blonde and adding in darker hues," she says.

Rita Hazanis a celebrity colorist and founder ofRita Hazanin New York City.Rodrigo Padillais a senior stylist atJenna Perry Hair Studioin New York City.Joseph Maineis a celebrity hair stylist and co-founder ofTrademark Beauty.Stephanie Angeloneis a celebrity stylist atRPZLHair Extension & Blowout Bar in New York City.

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Guess 30 Movies From Their Blurry Scenes: Prove You Have Great Eyesight And Film Knowledge

Most of us can guess quite a few of our favorite films just by a single still. Whether it's the iconic characters, their memorable costumes, or the unforgettable action sequences, there's so much to recognize in a scene. But now, it's time to up the challenge further!

In this quiz, every scene will be blurry, not only testing your movie knowledge and memory, but also your eyesight. There are 30 movie scenes to squint at, so let's begin!

🚀 💡 Want more or looking for something else? Head over to theBored Panda Quizzesand explore our full collection of quizzes and trivia designed to test your knowledge, reveal hidden insights, and spark your curiosity.💡 🚀

Photo credits:Guilherme Rossi

What movie is this blurry scene from?

◯ Poltergeist◯ Jaws◯ The Abyss◯ The Thing

Which scene is from Mission: Impossible?

Which movie does this iconic scene open?

◯ Fight Club◯ A Clockwork Orange◯ American History X◯ Requiem for a Dream

Which movie is this scene from?

◯ Close Encounters of the Third Kind◯ First Man◯ Contact◯ As Above, So Below

This intensely lit scene is from which movie?

◯ Apollo 13◯ 2012◯ 2001: A Space Odyssey◯ The Day After Tomorrow

What movie is this memorable scene from?

◯ Jurassic Park◯ Cloverfield◯ Tremors◯ The Host

True or false: This is the opening number of The Sound of Music.

◯ True◯ False

Which part of Star Wars is this popular scene from?

◯ Star Wars: Episode II◯ Star Wars: Episode VIII◯ Star Wars: Episode IX◯ Star Wars: Episode V

🧠 Curious to see the rest? Take the full quiz here 🧠

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January 01, 2026

Guess 30 Movies From Their Blurry Scenes: Prove You Have Great Eyesight And Film Knowledge

Most of us can guess quite a few of our favorite films just by a single still. Whether it's the iconic characters, th...

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Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen's Friendship: Inside the “New Year’s Eve Live” Stars’ Decades-Old Bond

Noam Galai/Getty

NEED TO KNOW

• Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen have been friends since the early 2000s

• They reconnected years after a friend set them up on a blind date, which Cooper called off

• The CNN reporter and the reality TV host have been hosting CNN's New Year's Eve broadcast together since 2017

Anderson CooperandAndy Cohenhave been friends for over 20 years.

The reality TV host and longtime CNN reporter were originally set up on a blind date by mutual friends in the '90s, but Cooper called it off before they could get together. Luckily, they reconnected years later and have been close friends ever since.

Over the years, Cooper and Cohen have supported each other through major life events, including the death of Cooper's motherGloria Vanderbiltand thebirths of their respective children. The duo also appear together on TV often — Cooper has been a guest onWatch What Happens Live! with Andy Cohenmultiple times, and the pair have been hosting CNN's New Year's Eve broadcast since 2017.

Though the two have been known to poke jokes at each other, Cohen had somesweet words for Coopershortly after he welcomed his first son, Wyatt. During a May 2020 episode of his SiriusXMRadio Andyshow, Cohen admitted that Cooper's baby announcement "had me in a puddle of tears" as "you really have to jump through a lot of hoops to have a baby as a gay man."

"He went through a lot, and I'm just so happy that his son is so beautiful and happy and healthy. I've already seen Anderson light up and open up in new ways," the Bravo star added.

From going on tour together to becoming "playground dads," here's everything to know about Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen's friendship.

1990s: Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen get set up on a blind date by friends

During a December 2017The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Cooper and Cohen shared that they first met when friends tried to set them up on a blind date. At the time, Cooper was a reporter at ABC and Cohen was working for CBS.

"We had a phone call to set up the date, and I knew within 45 seconds I was never going on a date with Andy Cohen," Cooper shared with hostJimmy Fallon. "He violated my cardinal rule, which is he asked me about my mom [Gloria Vanderbilt] within the first minute of talking to me."

"I wanted to date the Vanderbilt boy! I was excited!" Cohen exclaimed. Cooper ended up canceling the date.

Early 2000s: Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen start vacationing with the same group of friends

The friends shared in a December 2017 interview withThe New York Timesthat they both knew businessmanBarry Dillerand began vacationing with him and his friends. "We wound up in this group that would travel together, [Diller] and his friends," Cohen said.

Some of the friends they traveled with included Diller's wife, fashion designerDiane von Furstenberg, and the late talent managerSandy Gallin.

"I remember going up some waterway in a slow-moving boat, talking to you, sort of entranced. Andy, even before he was on TV, was the life of the party," Cooper added.

"Then we would have dinner occasionally, or be at the same party. We went to Croatia in 2005. I was at Bravo then," Cohen continued.

In an August 2015 interview withEntertainment Weekly, Cohen explained, "Really the way we became friends is he and I have been around the world and back together. We've really been around the world together."

September 12, 2010: Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen sit front row at a DVF show

The duo turned out to support their friend von Furstenberg for her Spring 2011 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. They were seated next toSarah Jessica Parkerin the front row at the event, which marked one of their first public outings as friends.

December 12, 2010: Anderson Cooper appears onWatch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen

Cooper made his first appearance on Cohen's Bravo show,Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohenin 2010, alongsideNeNe LeakesfromThe Real Housewives of Atlanta.

Cooper and Leakes had previously spoken about how much they liked the other in various media appearances, but theWWHLepisode was the first time they'd met in person.

November 14, 2014: Anderson Cooper interviews Andy Cohen live to promoteThe Andy Cohen Diaries

When Cohen's second book was released, he asked Cooper to do aninterview with him at the 92nd Street Yin New York City.

The two bantered back and forth, with Cooper telling the audience, "It's a little weird because he was trying to make out with me right before we came out here."

"It was a wonderful night. We have really nice chemistry. ... It isn't good enough to date, but we've got great chemistry," Cohen later shared with theAtlanta Jewish Timesin June 2015.

March 21, 2015: Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen's AC2 tour kicks off in Boston

Not long after their 92nd St Y appearance, Cooper and Cohen were encouraged to do similar shows around the country.

"My agent was in the crowd [at the 92nd St Y interview], and she was like, 'You guys should take this on the road,' " Cooper shared withTheNew York Times.

Cohen added, "We looked at each other, and, immediately, were like, 'Oh, my God, we can travel the country together.' "

They started the AC2 tour in Boston, as they revealed onWWHL, and have since traveled to 50 different cities.

July 5, 2017: Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen vacation in Bora Bora together

The duo vacationed together in Bora Bora in 2017. Cohen posted a picture of himself and Cooper with the caption, "Caught a silver fox swimming by a deserted island!"

In it, both wore long-sleeve O'Neill rash guards, and Cohen sported a colorful pair of swim trunks.

December 31, 2017: Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen host CNN's New Year's Eve broadcast together for the first time

In October 2017, it was announced that Cohen would be joining Cooper to host CNN's New Year's Eve Live broadcast. The decision was made after CNN elected to cut ties withKathy Griffin.

Ahead of the night, Cooper and Cohen spoke to PEOPLE about what viewers could expect from the broadcast.

"Andy is who is he andhe's kind of the life of the party wherever he goes," Cooper said in December 2017. "And I think it's going to reflect our friendship and the comfort we have with each other and the dynamic of our relationship. We're as curious to see where it goes and what happens! We're both eager and excited about it."

December 28, 2018: Anderson Cooper sends well wishes to dad-to-be Andy Cohen

During a December 2018 episode ofWWHL, Cohen revealed that he wasgoing to be a father, and several of his famous friends sent well wishes to the host, including Cooper.

"I'm so excited for Andy, he is going to be a great dad!" the CNN anchor told PEOPLE in December 2018. "And I'm so glad he finally announced it, so I can pepper him with questions on New Year's Eve!"

February 27, 2019: Anderson Cooper spends time with Andy Cohen's newborn son

Shortly after thebirth of Cohen's son, Benjamin Allen, the new dad shared a sweet snap onInstagramof his newborn lying in his crib while Cooper looked on. He wrote in the caption, "Uncle Anderson got an exclusive."

June 17, 2019: Andy Cohen pays tribute to Anderson Cooper's mother Gloria Vanderbilt

AfterVanderbilt's death at 95 years oldin June 2017, Cohen posted a thoughtful tribute to her onInstagram.

"Gloria Vanderbilt was an amazing woman who lived a life filled with incredible peaks and impossible obstacles. Through it all she remained eternally optimistic with a wicked sense of humor," he wrote in the caption.

Cohen continued, "In fact, Anderson's iconic and infectious giggle comes from his mom. Sending Anderson all my love, and may she Rest In Peace."

A few days later, heshared a sweet anecdoteabout Cooper and Vanderbilt. "I think how sweet — every time I saw her with Anderson, he always held her hand, which really touched me," he told PEOPLE.

April 30, 2020: Anderson Cooper welcomes a son and Andy Cohen congratulates him

On April 27, 2020, Cooper welcomed his son,Wyatt Cooper. He shared the news on a broadcast ofAnderson Cooper 360°and on Instagram, posting a sweet picture of himself and Wyatt onInstagram.

Shortly after, the Bravo host shared a picture of Cooper and his newborn onInstagram. "'New life, new hope!' Wyatt Cooper, you couldn't have come at a better time! I know a friend who can't wait to meet you!" he captioned it.

June 22, 2020: Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen's sons meet for the first time

Cooper and Cohen celebrated Father's Day byintroducing their sons to each other oneduring a virtual episode ofWWHL.

"I thought it would be fun if they met right now," Cohen said. "Look, that's gonna be your good buddy Wyatt," the Bravo host told his son Benjamin as he pointed to Wyatt.

"That's gonna be your good buddy and we're gonna travel together. And if you like him half as much as I like his daddy, you're gonna be great friends," he continued.

September 1, 2020: Andy Cohen posts shirtless pictures of Anderson Cooper

Cohen had some fun with Cooper's vacation photos from years past. He posted a few snaps toInstagramwith the caption, "If it were a normal year, I'd be on vacation with my pal...threatening to post shirtless pics of him. Well, it's 2020 and I'm sitting on my deck so I figured I'd just post without asking and piss him off! #SilverFox."

October 9, 2020: Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen take their sons on a playdate

Amid the pandemic, Cooper and Cohen ventured out for asocially distanced playdatewith their sons.

"Playground Dads! (Btw my sweater is from @grantedsweatercompany)," Cohen captioned a photo of the pair taken in New York City's Greenwich Village.

December 31, 2020: Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen take shots during New Year's Eve broadcast

To celebrate the end of 2020, Cooper and Cohentook a round of shotswhile broadcasting the ball drop on New Year's Eve for CNN. The shots came at Cohen's request and Cooper's dismay, and the CNN anchor's reaction to them got more hilarious with each round.

"I have not had a shot since, I think, the last time we were here," Cooper told Cohen before their first drink.

Cohen responded, "You're getting better at it! I would argue that you're getting better at it."

June 2, 2021: Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen celebrate their birthdays together

Cooper (whose birthday is June 3) and Cohen (whose birthday is June 2)celebrated together at a surprise partywith friends, including Parker and her husband,Matthew Broderick.

They both posted toInstagramfor the occasion, with Cooper writing, "So proud of all you've done, the person you are, and the dad you've become."

December 31, 2021: Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen host New Year's Eve broadcast

The duo returned to CNN for New Year's Eve in 2021, where they had shots during the broadcast — including one in honor ofBetty White, whodied that December. As the night went on, Cohen got progressively more intoxicated and made comments about former N.Y.C. mayorBill de BlasioandRyan Seacrest.

"If you look behind me, you'll see Ryan Seacrest's group of losers performing. I'm sorry but if you're watching ABC, you're watching nothing," the Bravo host said at one point.

A few days later, Cohen admitted that he had been "overserved" and addressed his comments, saying, "The only thing that I regret saying, the only thing is that I slammed the ABC broadcast. And I really like Ryan Seacret and he's a great guy and I really regret saying that and I was just stupid and drunk and feeling it."

February 12, 2022: Andy Cohen and his son meet Anderson Cooper's second son Sebastian

Of course, Cohen was one of the first people to meet Cooper's second son,Sebastian, a few days after he was born.

OnInstagram, he shared a sweet picture of himself cradling Sebastian while his own son, Benjamin, gently touched the baby's head.

In the caption, Cohen wrote, "Today we met our new pal Sebastian Maisani-Cooper! He's a peaceful beauty. Ben calls him "Wheels"! Mazel to Anderson & Benjamin."

May 9, 2022: Anderson Cooper meets Andy Cohen's daughter Lucy

It was a big year for both Cooper and Cohen. Just a few months afterCooper welcomed Sebastian, Cohenwelcomed a second childof his own, a daughter named Lucy. Cohen shared a sweet picture ofCooper meeting Lucy, which he captioned in part, "Uncle Anderson, keeping Lucy honest!"

November 18, 2022: Andy Cohen speaks about the 2022 New Year's Eve broadcast with Anderson Cooper

In spite of rumors that CNN wouldn't be allowing on-air presenters to drink on camera during the 2022 New Year's Eve broadcast, Cohen said viewers can probably expect to see him and Anderson doing shots together per usual.

"I think people enjoy seeing me feed Anderson shots andthat's on the menu," he shared with PEOPLE.

December 15, 2022: Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen discuss dating apps

While promoting their upcoming New Year's Eve special onThe Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Cooper and Cohen discussed their dating lives and revealed whether or not they are on the apps. "I'm back out there, I'm on the apps. I'm on Tinder, I'm on Raya," Cohen said.

When Colbert asked if Anderson was on Raya, Cohen jumped in and said, "No, but I would like him to be and I would like him to be on Tinder."

The pair then pitched each other to potential prospects and shared the best things about each other, as well as the downsides.

December 27, 2022: Andy Cohen says he and Anderson Cooper have bonded over being gay dads

Cohen spoke about howhis friendship with Cooperhas evolved since they became parents in an episode of hisTable for Twopodcast.

"We are these geriatric patients hobbling around chasing our children, but look it's another bonding thing," Cohen said.

He also mentioned that he's glad his and Cooper's kids will be able to grow up together.

"I think what is going to be really interesting to us, as it develops, is being gay dads and as our kids start realizing more and more 'Oh I have gay dads.' I am so glad that Ben [Cohen] will grow up with Wyatt [Cooper] and that Ben with grow up seeing Anderson and Benjamin [Maisani] raising Wyatt and Sebastian."

May 7, 2023: Anderson Cooper interviews Andy Cohen forCBS Sunday Morning

Cohen sat down with Cooper for an interview onCBS Sunday Morningto promote his bookThe Daddy Diaries.

"Well, this is weird. I suddenly feel very vulnerable. You need to do yourBarbara WaltersJedi thing right now and make me feel comfortable," Cohen joked.

The two friends mostly discussed the Bravo host's decision to become a single dad.

"Doing this without a partner, did it give you great pause?" Cooper asked. To which Cohen responded: "I'm happy to say it didn't. I just thought, I want to do this and I'm doing it and I know it's going to be really hard. As a single parent, I just worry about being everything to them. I want to be everything to them, and I know how impossible that is, in a weird way."

December 29, 2024: Andy Cohen reveals the most "annoying" part about working with Anderson Cooper

TheWWHLhost revealed to PEOPLE in December 2024 that the most "annoying" part about working with Cooper is how he's forced to eventually "be the straight guy."

"Literally, he's in a puddle of giggles for the last 90 minutes of the broadcast, and I'm the one that's hitting all the commercial breaks," Cohen joked. "I kind of turn into Mr. CNN for the last 90 minutes, and he turns into Mr. Bravo. It's a very funny role reversal."

December 17, 2025: Anderson Cooper jokes he checks online to see how much Andy Cohen "screwed" them over on NYE

During a December 2025 appearance onThe Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Cooper joked that he looks online during the last half-hour of their annual NYE broadcast to check if Cohen hasgotten them into trouble.

"The problem for me is after New Year's Eve, as soon as we get off, really in the last 30 minutes, I'm just looking at things online to see in what ways has he screwed us over," he said. "[What] did he say I'm gonna have to like, clean up after? Will the headline [of] the Drudge Report inevitably be the next morning, 'This is CNN?,' with a picture of this guy?' "

Read the original article onPeople

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December 31, 2025

Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen's Friendship: Inside the “New Year’s Eve Live” Stars’ Decades-Old Bond

Noam Galai/Getty NEED TO KNOW Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen have been friends since the early 2000s They reconnected years after a frien...

Read More