People have been using “first of all” on the internet for a while. It’s a way to add context to a conversation, or put someone in their place. Over the weekend, the phrase really took off and turned into a meme, all thanks to a few viral tweets over the last week.
https://twitter.com/PURAVlDA/status/917052593796399104
That was in response to a tweet about your woman crush Wednesday’s breakfast.
this was your wcw's breakfast. pic.twitter.com/2QPfGz5OgF
— Nancy (@ddown2mars) October 6, 2017
Many others on Twitter began to emulate the format. The “first of all” phrase became the punchline of a joke.
“Say my name”
First of all, I don’t even remember it
— Sash✨ (@SDRHK_) October 14, 2017
"Previously on-"
First of all, I've been watching for ten straight hours
— zannah (@zannah_perrins) October 16, 2017
https://twitter.com/ira/status/919669220933230592
https://twitter.com/svnnycx/status/919197342670127104
https://twitter.com/venusbisou/status/918644058154782720
https://twitter.com/OkayyChriss/status/916833483477147648
Several versions of the meme were about sex, unrequited crushes, and anxiety.
https://twitter.com/okMute/status/917053535476359170
"Omg you so wet." First of all, I'm on my period.
— Miss Chrissy T. (@colormechris) October 12, 2017
https://twitter.com/Jennifer_Blaize/status/919875486565715970
https://twitter.com/cloutboyjojo/status/919714717496725505
"i just dont understand why u dont like me"
first of all, i dont even understand why i dont like myself
— jonny sun (@jonnysun) October 16, 2017
https://twitter.com/Biggabossben/status/919717492267933701
“Oh you’re always so cool and aloof.”
First of all, i’m dissociating.
— OHIGBAI 🌍 (@ohigba11) October 13, 2017
https://twitter.com/NUEPORTS/status/918324029760577536
https://twitter.com/hoescrush/status/919745184878936064
Even brands like Netflix joined in with a meta-joke about the company’s “Are you still watching?” prompt.
“Are you still watching"
First of all, I’ll tell you when I’ve had enough
— Netflix US (@netflix) October 15, 2017
Some people are already calling this meme one of the best of 2017.
https://twitter.com/ugsadkid/status/919301298461257728
First of all, there’s still two months left in the year.