Meme History

Meme History is a weekly column and video series that explores the origins and history of the most iconic memes online. It runs on Saturdays in the Daily Dot’s web_crawlr newsletter. If you want to read this column before everyone else, sign up for the newsletter here. Check out the video series here.

wolf memes

Meme History: The evolution of wolf memes on the internet, from ‘courage wolf’ to ‘three wolf moon’

From courage wolf to the "three wolf moon" t-shirt, wolves have a bigger presence in the world of memes than you'd expect.

On Feb 4, 2024 by Kyle Calise

arthurs fist meme

Meme History: How a teachable moment in ‘Arthur’ morphed into a meme used under frustrating circumstances

And I say hey — what a wonderful kind of meme.

On Jan 28, 2024 by Kyle Calise

harambe the gorilla meme history

Meme History: The story of Harambe the Gorilla, 2016’s most important meme

This story begins on a somber note, but eventually led to a significant moment of internet unity over the love for a primate.

On Jan 21, 2024 by Kyle Calise

galaxy brain meme on a purple background

Meme History: How a three-paneled meme featuring big brain energy became ‘Galaxy Brain’

It all started with the 'whomst' meme.

On Jan 14, 2024 by Kyle Calise

vince mcmahon meme

Meme History: Why Vince McMahon can’t help but become a meme over and over again

From his many WWE reaction gifs to the more recent Vince McMahon crying trend, we take a look at them all.

On Jan 8, 2024 by Kyle Calise

distracted boyfriend meme

Meme History: How a ‘distracted boyfriend’ went from a simple stock photo to an iconic meme

While many memes evolve slowly, the 'Distracted Boyfriend' meme seemed destined for instant fame.

On Jan 4, 2024 by Kyle Calise

crying jordan meme on a red meme background

Meme History: Why sad Michael Jordan is the MVP of crying memes

He's more than just a logo, more than just an Internet meme.

On Jan 2, 2024 by Kyle Calise

kermit meme but that's none of my business

Meme History: How a tea commercial starring Kermit the Frog became the perfect reaction meme

Even LeBron James is posting Kermit memes.

On Dec 30, 2023 by Kyle Calise

spider-man pointing meme

Meme History: Spider-Man Pointing, a meme fifty years in the making

From a 1960's cartoon show to meme we're all familiar with online more than half a decade later.

On Dec 28, 2023 by Kyle Calise

the dress meme black blue white gold

Meme History: How A Dress and Two Llamas Created the Best Day on the Internet

Roman Originals, the retailer of the dress, confirmed it was indeed black and blue.

On Dec 26, 2023 by Kyle Calise

doge memes

Meme History: The story behind Doge, the Internet’s most beloved dog

'Such love, much wow.'

On Dec 24, 2023 by Kyle Calise

this is fine dog fire meme

Meme History: How the ‘This is Fine’ dog set the Internet on fire

The 'This is Fine' meme is one of the most widely recognizable memes online.

On Dec 22, 2023 by Kyle Calise