Side Eye Meme: Capturing Skepticism in One Look

In today’s fast world, the side eye meme has become a way to show doubt and disbelief. It’s a non-verbal sign that we use to react to surprises or new trends1. This meme has become a big part of how we communicate online.

The meme started with a funny picture of a dachshund looking suspicious. It was posted on Reddit in April 2015. Soon, it was everywhere on TikTok and Instagram, showing how much people loved it1. Even older memes, like the Popeyes Kid from 2013, are now big again, thanks to deals like Dieunerst Collin’s with Popeyes in January 20231.

As the meme grew, so did its fans. People like Cynthia Mmasi on TikTok and Malaika Norman with “Side Eyeing Chloe” made it even bigger1. Norman’s TikTok has over 110,000 followers and millions of views, showing how big the meme is1.

Key Takeaways

  • The side eye meme trend has crossed over from Reddit to major social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, showing it’s loved by many.
  • Memes like the Popeyes Kid have shown how long-lasting and influential this visual way of talking can be.
  • Creators like Cynthia Mmasi and Malaika Norman have made the meme even bigger, with millions of views and followers.
  • The side eye meme lets us show doubt and skepticism in a way that’s easy to understand, without words.
  • The meme’s popularity across different platforms and cultures shows its strength as a tool for digital communication today.

The Rise of the Side Eye Meme

The side eye meme has become a big part of internet culture. It shows skepticism and disbelief in a unique way. From famous pop culture moments to viral reaction memes, the side eye has become a quick way to show subtle digital sarcasm and social media trends.

Iconic Side Eye Moments in Pop Culture

One famous side eye meme moment was during the 2017 presidential inauguration. Former First Lady Michelle Obama’s reaction to Melania Trump’s gift-giving went viral. This brief moment of discomfort sparked a lot of meme humor. It showed how body language and eye expressions can express deep emotions.

Another famous side eye meme was from a 2013 Vine video. A young Dieunerst Collin, known as the “Popeyes Kid,” gave a huge side-eyed glance. This meme has lasted for years, showing the side eye’s lasting appeal. Collin even got a name, image, and likeness (NIL) deal with Popeyes in January 2023.

The side eye trend also thrives on TikTok. Cynthia Mmasi’s viral sound made the side eye even more universal. People lip-syncing to the sound while moving their eyes have made it even more popular.

The “Side Eyeing Chloe” meme, based on a young girl’s reaction to a surprise trip to Disneyland, became a hit on Tumblr and other platforms. Her expression was photoshopped onto various celebrities. This shows how versatile and adaptable the side eye is as a meme format.

side eye meme: A Universal Language of Doubt and Disbelief

The side eye meme is everywhere in our digital culture. It shows skepticism, judgment, and disbelief in one facial expression. From TV shows to social media, these memes have found a special place in our internet culture.

Icons like the skeptical dachshund and Michelle Obama’s iconic side eye are part of this. Even the Popeyes Kid has made an impact. These memes let us express ourselves in ways words can’t.

The side eye, a way of communicating through body language and eye expressions, is now a universal sign of doubt and disbelief.

The “side eye” has been around for a long time, dating back to 17971. It’s become more popular in news and social media in the 2010s1. Thanks to reaction memes and social media trends, the side eye is now a key part of our meme humor and digital sarcasm.

Gender Average Score in Decoding Eye Signals
Men 19/25
Women 22/25

Women are better at reading eye signals than men2. This means the side eye meme might connect more with women. They can pick up on the subtle meanings behind it better.

“The meme culture is considered a ‘wild, wild west’ by Brad Kim, editor of Know Your Meme, known for its resistance to copyright laws.”3

The side eye meme is a lasting part of our internet culture. It can express many emotions with just one look. This has made it a universal language of doubt and disbelief.

side eye memes

Conclusion

The side eye meme has become a key way to show doubt and disbelief online. It lets us share skepticism and humor in a way everyone can understand4. Memes, like the “Drawn On Eyebrow,” “Delulu,” and “Hard to Swallow Pills” trends, are big on social media. They show how the side eye is a global sign of doubt, crossing language and culture barriers.

The side eye meme is loved because it reflects our everyday struggles. It tackles issues like bad meetings and remote work during the pandemic5. Almost all people in meetings feel frustrated or confused, just like in memes. This shared feeling makes the side eye meme a funny way to express our digital sarcasm and body language.

In the fast-changing world of internet culture, the side eye meme remains a key tool for sharing our feelings4. Memes help us connect and communicate online, breaking down old barriers. The side eye meme’s lasting popularity shows it’s a symbol of playful discontent in our digital lives.

FAQ

What are side eye memes?

Side eye memes are a big deal on the internet. They show skepticism and doubt in funny ways. They use side glances to express disbelief.

What is the origin of the “Whatcha talkin’ bout Willis” meme?

The “Whatcha talkin’ bout Willis” meme comes from “Diff’rent Strokes.” It shows disbelief and skepticism. It’s used to express doubt online.

How have animal expressions been humanized in side eye memes?

A dachshund with a suspicious side glance became a hit online. It shows how animal looks can mirror our feelings.

What was the reaction to Michelle Obama’s side eye during the 2017 presidential inauguration?

Michelle Obama’s side eye at the 2017 inauguration was a big deal. Her look of annoyance sparked many memes. Her reaction to a Tiffany’s gift box was a highlight.

What is the story behind the “Popeyes Kid” meme?

The “Popeyes Kid” meme started with a 2013 Vine video. Young Dieunerst Collin gave a huge side-eyed glance. A decade later, in 2023, he got a deal with Popeyes.

How has the side eye trend taken over TikTok?

TikTok’s side eye trend started with Cynthia Mmasi. It shows the side-eye’s universal appeal. Users lip sync and move their eyes.

What is the “Side Eyeing Chloe” meme?

The “Side Eyeing Chloe” meme is about a girl’s reaction to a Disneyland surprise. Her look was photoshopped onto celebrities, making it a hit.

Source Links

  1. Here are some of the best side eyeing memes – https://www.dailydot.com/memes/side-eyeing-meme/
  2. How to Read People’s Eye Direction and Behavior (34 Eyes Cues) – https://www.scienceofpeople.com/eye-body-language/
  3. The Rat Has A Hunger – https://medium.com/message/the-rat-has-a-hunger-b1c4e48ac0d
  4. Top 20 Social Media Memes of 2024 – https://www.socialchamp.io/blog/social-media-memes/
  5. 20+ Communication Memes to Make Your Workday More Fun | Chanty – https://www.chanty.com/blog/communication-memes/

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