young boy waves hi to pretend strangers on walk

@tobymarriott/Twitter

‘Hi hi good morning’ is the purest TikTok audio of 2020

A toddler's greeting gave pets on TikTok the spotlight.

 

Audra Schroeder

Internet Culture

Posted on Dec 18, 2020   Updated on Dec 18, 2020, 3:37 pm CST

In a year when waking up meant immediately assessing yourself for signs of a deadly virus, the “Hi hi good morning” TikTok audio has been employed in creative ways.

Back in early April, Toby Marriott posted a video to Twitter of his nephew, Ralph, doing his cute daily routine of greeting people he passes. “Hi, hi. Good morning,” he says, though no one is around.

As detailed by Know Your Meme, that greeting quickly spread to TikTok after a boost from meme account Kale Salad. Naturally, it was largely applied to pets doing some of their best “wake up” work.

As well as some great dog-statue work.

And bees!

And… Miatas?

Of course, it’s also been applied to adorable babies and romantic relationships. But its versatility is in how the audio can be used to menacing effect as well.

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*First Published: Dec 18, 2020, 3:36 pm CST