Top Popular Memes Over the Years
FACTSFEATURED
Memes are constantly evolving, and new ones are being created all the time. So who knows what the next big meme will be?
Top 5 of the most used memes
1. Woman Yelling Cat
This meme features a photo of a woman yelling at a cat, who is sitting at the table. The meme is often used to express anger or frustration.
Alright, let's start with a true internet legend: Woman Yelling at a Cat - A Meme for Every Argument (Ever!)
This meme, often referred to as "Woman Yelling at a Cat" or "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills vs. Smudge the Cat," is a glorious Frankenstein's monster of internet absurdity that has become a go-to for depicting any kind of argument, misunderstanding, or disproportionate reaction.
The meme combines two separate images:
The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills Scene: A screencap from The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills featuring Taylor Armstrong, looking distraught and pointing accusingly, surrounded by other women. The drama is palpable.
Smudge the Cat at the Dinner Table: An image of a white cat (named Smudge) sitting at a dinner table with a visibly unimpressed and somewhat disgusted expression, a plate of salad in front of him. The cat is the star of this meme.
The magic happens when these two images are combined side-by-side, with the woman representing someone making an accusation or expressing anger, and the cat representing someone who is innocent, confused, or simply doesn't care.
Why is it so popular?
Versatility: It can be used to depict virtually any type of argument, from serious political debates to petty squabbles.
Relatability: Everyone has been on both sides of this meme at some point in their lives.
Humor: The juxtaposition of the over-the-top drama with the cat's apathetic expression is inherently hilarious.
Simplicity: The format is easy to understand and adapt to different situations.
"Woman Yelling at a Cat" is a meme that perfectly captures the absurdity of human interaction and the internet's ability to turn anything into a source of humor. It's a classic meme that will likely continue to be used for years to come, as long as people continue to argue (which, let's face it, is probably forever). That’s just how the world works!
2. Success Kid
This meme features a photo of a baby with his fist clenched in victory. The meme is often used to express success or satisfaction.
Alright, let's move on to a meme that embodies pure, unadulterated triumph: Success Kid - The Embodiment of Small Victories (and Internet Optimism!)
Success Kid, also known as "I Hate Sandcastles," is a meme featuring a picture of a baby (Sammy Griner) with a determined look on his face and a clenched fist full of sand. This simple image has become a symbol of success, accomplishment, and overcoming adversity, no matter how small the victory.
The original photo was taken in 2007 by Sammy's mother and uploaded to Flickr. It quickly went viral, with people using it to depict everything from finally finishing a difficult task to finding a parking spot in a crowded city.
Why is it so popular?
Universality: Everyone can relate to the feeling of achieving something, no matter how small.
Positivity: In a world that can often feel negative and cynical, Success Kid is a refreshing reminder that even small victories are worth celebrating.
Simplicity: The image is simple, iconic, and easy to understand.
Enduring Appeal: Despite being around for over a decade, Success Kid continues to be used and loved by people of all ages.
Genuine Feeling: The genuine look on the baby's face sells the meme.
Success Kid is more than just a meme; it's a symbol of hope, resilience, and the power of positive thinking. It's a reminder that even when things are tough, we can always find something to celebrate. Plus, the fact that the photo helped raise money for his father’s kidney transplant makes it one of the most wholesome memes ever created. Now that’s true success!
3. Bad Luck Brian
This meme features a photo of a teenager with braces and a bow haircut. The meme is often used to express bad luck or misfortune.
Alright, let's swing to the opposite end of the spectrum from Success Kid and wallow in some relatable misfortune: Bad Luck Brian - The Patron Saint of Awkward Moments and Unforeseen Disasters!
Bad Luck Brian is the meme that reminds us that no matter how bad things are going in our own lives, someone always has it worse. The meme features a yearbook photo of a hapless-looking teenager named Kyle Craven with a forced smile and a comically unfortunate situation described in the caption.
The meme originated in 2012 when Kyle's friend posted his yearbook photo on Reddit with the caption "Tries to take a норм picture/becomes a meme". It quickly went viral, with people using it to depict all sorts of embarrassing and unfortunate events.
Why is it so popular?
Relatability: Everyone has experienced bad luck at some point in their lives. This makes Bad Luck Brian incredibly relatable.
Humor: The meme is funny because it exaggerates the everyday misfortunes that we all experience.
Schadenfreude: Let's be honest, there's a little bit of schadenfreude involved in enjoying Bad Luck Brian. It makes us feel better about our own lives to see someone else having such a hard time.
Versatility: It can be used to depict a wide range of unfortunate situations, from minor inconveniences to major disasters.
Self-Deprecating Humor: It's often used for humorous self-deprecation.
Bad Luck Brian is a reminder that life isn't always fair, and that sometimes things just go wrong. But it's also a reminder that we can always find humor in even the most unfortunate situations. In a way, he embodies the mantra "laugh, so you don't cry!" And hey, at least he got a meme out of it! That’s some good luck in disguise!
4. Kermit the Frog Drinking Tea
This meme features a photo of Kermit the Frog sipping tea with a concerned expression on his face. The meme is often used to express anxiety or worry.
Alright, let's move on to a meme that perfectly captures the art of passive-aggressive observation: Kermit the Frog Drinking Tea - Sipping Truth and Side-Eyeing the World!
This meme, also known as "But That's None of My Business," features a screen capture of Kermit the Frog sipping Lipton tea (in some versions) with a slightly judgmental and detached expression. It's used to express a passive-aggressive opinion or observation, often about something controversial or hypocritical.
The meme typically starts with a statement that appears to be innocent or supportive, but then ends with "but that's none of my business," followed by the image of Kermit sipping tea. The implication is that the speaker actually does have a strong opinion on the matter, but they're choosing to express it in a subtle and indirect way.
Why is it so popular?
Subtlety: It allows people to express their opinions without being confrontational or aggressive.
Humor: The image of Kermit sipping tea with a judgmental expression is inherently funny.
Relatability: Everyone has encountered situations where they wanted to express their opinion but felt it was best to keep it to themselves.
Versatility: It can be used to comment on a wide range of topics, from personal relationships to political issues.
Passive-Aggression: Let's face it, sometimes it's fun to be a little passive-aggressive.
Kermit the Frog Drinking Tea is a meme that perfectly captures the art of subtle shade and passive-aggressive commentary. It's a reminder that sometimes the best way to express your opinion is to simply sip your tea and let others draw their own conclusions. It is just subtle enough to not offend, and it works.
5. Distracted Boyfriend
This meme features a man walking down the street with his girlfriend, but he is distracted by another woman. The meme is often used to express temptation or infidelity.
Alright, let's finish strong with a meme that perfectly encapsulates temptation and wandering eyes: Distracted Boyfriend - The Eternal Struggle Between Loyalty and Shiny New Things!
This meme, also known as "Man Looking at Other Woman," features a stock photo of a man walking with his girlfriend, but turning his head to check out another woman who is walking by. The girlfriend looks angry and disapproving, while the man looks captivated by the other woman.
The meme is typically used to depict the conflict between loyalty and temptation, often in a humorous or satirical way. The girlfriend is usually labeled with something that the person should be loyal to, while the other woman is labeled with something that is more appealing or exciting.
Why is it so popular?
Relatability (We've All Been There, Right?): The struggle between loyalty and temptation is a universal human experience. This makes the meme incredibly relatable.
Humor: The exaggerated expressions of the characters in the photo make it inherently funny.
Versatility: It can be used to comment on a wide range of topics, from personal relationships to political issues to consumer choices.
Simple Yet Powerful: The format is easy to understand and adapt to different situations, yet the message is clear and impactful.
Distracted Boyfriend is a meme that perfectly captures the human tendency to be drawn to new and exciting things, even when we know we should be loyal to what we already have. It's a reminder that temptation is always lurking, and that it takes effort to stay true to our commitments. And let's be honest, sometimes the temptation is just too strong to resist! This meme can be used in a lot of comical ways.
So, there you have it: five of the most-used memes of all time, each a perfect snapshot of internet culture and the human condition. From the relatable frustrations of Woman Yelling at a Cat and Bad Luck Brian to the triumphant joy of Success Kid, the subtle shade of Kermit the Frog, and the wandering eyes of Distracted Boyfriend, these memes have become a universal language for expressing our thoughts, feelings, and experiences.
What makes these memes so enduring? It's their simplicity, their relatability, and their ability to capture complex emotions in a single image. They're a reminder that even in a world that can often feel serious and overwhelming, there's always room for humor and connection.
Memes are more than just silly pictures; they're a reflection of our shared culture, our collective consciousness, and our ability to find humor in the everyday absurdities of life. So, embrace the memes, share them with your friends, and let them bring a little laughter and light into your day. And who knows, maybe you'll even create the next viral sensation!