The internet is a vast and wondrous place, full of strange and hilarious memes that can make our day a little brighter. One such meme that has been making the rounds on social media platforms is the “What Is He Cooking?” meme. In this article, we’ll delve into the origins of this meme, its evolution, and what makes it so funny.
Origins of the Meme
The “What Is He Cooking?” meme is believed to have originated from a scene in the 2013 film “The Wolf of Wall Street,” directed by Martin Scorsese. In the scene, the character Donnie Azoff, played by Jonah Hill, is seen cooking in a kitchen, and the character Jordan Belfort, played by Leonardo DiCaprio, looks at him with a mixture of confusion and curiosity, as if to say, “What is he cooking?”
However, the meme gained popularity in 2020, when a Twitter user posted a screenshot of the scene with the caption “What is he cooking?” The tweet quickly went viral, and the meme was born.
The Evolution of the Meme
Since its inception, the “What Is He Cooking?” meme has evolved in various ways. It has been used to express confusion, curiosity, or even sarcasm in response to a situation or a person’s actions. The meme has also been remixed and recontextualized to fit different scenarios, making it a versatile and relatable meme.
One of the reasons why the meme has become so popular is its ability to be used in a variety of contexts. It can be used to comment on a person’s cooking skills (or lack thereof), to express confusion at a complex situation, or even to poke fun at someone’s fashion sense.
Examples of the Meme in Action
Here are a few examples of the “What Is He Cooking?” meme in action:
- A Twitter user posts a picture of a person wearing a questionable outfit, with the caption “What is he cooking?”
- A Reddit user shares a screenshot of a complex recipe, with the caption “What is he cooking? I just want to make a simple grilled cheese sandwich!”
- A TikTok user creates a video of themselves trying to cook a new recipe, with the caption “What is he cooking? I hope it’s edible!”
The Psychology Behind the Meme
So, what makes the “What Is He Cooking?” meme so funny? According to psychologists, humor often arises from the unexpected or the absurd. In the case of this meme, the humor comes from the unexpected twist on the original scene from “The Wolf of Wall Street.”
The meme also taps into our natural curiosity and desire to understand what’s going on. When we see someone doing something that doesn’t make sense to us, our brains try to fill in the gaps and make sense of it. The “What Is He Cooking?” meme plays on this curiosity, leaving us wondering what exactly is going on in the scene.
The Role of Social Media in the Meme’s Popularity
Social media has played a significant role in the popularity of the “What Is He Cooking?” meme. Platforms like Twitter, TikTok, and Reddit have made it easy for users to share and discover new memes, including this one.
The meme’s popularity can also be attributed to the fact that it’s easy to create and share. With just a screenshot and a caption, users can create their own version of the meme and share it with their followers.
The Impact of Social Media on Memes
Social media has had a profound impact on the way memes are created, shared, and consumed. With the rise of social media platforms, memes can now spread quickly and reach a large audience.
However, social media has also made it easier for memes to become overused and lose their original meaning. As memes become more popular, they can become watered down and lose their impact.
The Cultural Significance of the Meme
The “What Is He Cooking?” meme has become a cultural phenomenon, with its own set of rules and references. It has become a way for people to communicate and connect with each other, often using humor and irony.
The meme has also become a commentary on our society’s obsession with food and cooking. With the rise of cooking shows and social media influencers, cooking has become a popular hobby and a way for people to express themselves.
The Meme as a Form of Social Commentary
The “What Is He Cooking?” meme can also be seen as a form of social commentary. It pokes fun at our society’s obsession with food and cooking, as well as our tendency to judge others based on their cooking skills.
The meme also comments on our desire for instant gratification and our lack of patience. In a world where we can order food online and have it delivered to our doorstep, the idea of cooking a meal from scratch can seem daunting and even absurd.
The Meme as a Reflection of Our Society
The “What Is He Cooking?” meme is a reflection of our society’s values and obsessions. It shows us that even in the midst of chaos and uncertainty, we can find humor and joy in the simplest things.
The meme also reflects our society’s love of irony and absurdity. We love to poke fun at ourselves and the world around us, and the “What Is He Cooking?” meme is a perfect example of this.
Conclusion
The “What Is He Cooking?” meme is a deliciously funny phenomenon that has taken the internet by storm. From its origins in a scene from “The Wolf of Wall Street” to its evolution into a versatile and relatable meme, it has become a cultural phenomenon that reflects our society’s values and obsessions.
Whether you’re a fan of cooking or just a fan of humor, the “What Is He Cooking?” meme is sure to bring a smile to your face. So, the next time you see someone cooking up a storm in the kitchen, just remember: what is he cooking?
| Meme | Origin | Popularity |
|---|---|---|
| What Is He Cooking? | The Wolf of Wall Street (2013) | 2020 |
- The meme has been used to express confusion, curiosity, or even sarcasm in response to a situation or a person’s actions.
- The meme has been remixed and recontextualized to fit different scenarios, making it a versatile and relatable meme.
What is the “What Is He Cooking?” meme?
The “What Is He Cooking?” meme is a popular internet joke that originated from a scene in the TV show “The Office.” In the scene, a character named Kevin Malone is seen making a chili in the office kitchen, and his coworkers start speculating about the ingredients he is using. The meme has since been used to describe situations where someone is doing something mysterious or unclear, and others are trying to figure out what it is.
The meme has become a cultural phenomenon, with people using it to describe everything from cooking and recipes to politics and social issues. It has also been used in various forms of media, including memes, GIFs, and videos. The meme’s popularity can be attributed to its relatability and versatility, as it can be used in a wide range of situations.
Where did the “What Is He Cooking?” meme originate from?
The “What Is He Cooking?” meme originated from a scene in the TV show “The Office,” specifically from the episode “The Dundies” in Season 2. In the scene, Kevin Malone, played by Brian Baumgartner, is seen making a chili in the office kitchen, and his coworkers start speculating about the ingredients he is using. The scene was first aired in 2006, but it wasn’t until several years later that the meme started to gain popularity.
The scene was likely chosen because of its comedic value and the relatable situation of coworkers speculating about someone’s cooking. The meme has since been used to describe various situations, but the original scene remains the most iconic and widely recognized. The show’s popularity and the scene’s humor have contributed to the meme’s enduring success.
How is the “What Is He Cooking?” meme used?
The “What Is He Cooking?” meme is used to describe situations where someone is doing something mysterious or unclear, and others are trying to figure out what it is. It can be used in a variety of contexts, including cooking, politics, social issues, and more. The meme is often used to express confusion or curiosity about someone’s actions or intentions.
The meme can be used in various forms, including memes, GIFs, and videos. It is often accompanied by a screenshot or clip from the original scene, with the caption “What is he cooking?” or a variation of it. The meme has become a popular way to comment on current events, social media trends, and everyday situations.
What are some popular variations of the “What Is He Cooking?” meme?
There are several popular variations of the “What Is He Cooking?” meme, including “What’s he making?” and “What’s cooking?” These variations are often used in different contexts, but they all refer to the same idea of speculating about someone’s actions or intentions. Another popular variation is “What’s in the pot?”, which is often used to describe situations where someone is trying to figure out what someone else is doing.
These variations have become popular because they offer a fresh take on the original meme. They can be used in different situations and contexts, and they often add a new layer of humor or meaning to the original joke. The variations have helped to keep the meme fresh and relevant, even years after its original creation.
Why is the “What Is He Cooking?” meme so popular?
The “What Is He Cooking?” meme is popular because it is relatable and versatile. It can be used to describe a wide range of situations, from cooking and recipes to politics and social issues. The meme’s popularity can also be attributed to its comedic value and the iconic scene from “The Office” that it originated from.
The meme has become a cultural phenomenon because it taps into people’s natural curiosity and desire to speculate about others’ actions. It is often used to comment on current events, social media trends, and everyday situations, making it a popular way to engage with others online. The meme’s popularity has also been fueled by its widespread use on social media platforms, where it can be easily shared and disseminated.
Can I use the “What Is He Cooking?” meme in my own content?
Yes, you can use the “What Is He Cooking?” meme in your own content, as long as you follow the guidelines for fair use. The meme is a copyrighted work, but it is widely available and has been used in various forms of media. If you plan to use the meme for commercial purposes, you may need to obtain permission from the copyright holder.
When using the meme, be sure to give credit to the original creators and respect the intellectual property rights of the copyright holder. You can use the meme in a variety of contexts, including memes, GIFs, and videos, as long as you follow the guidelines for fair use. Be creative and have fun with it!
Will the “What Is He Cooking?” meme continue to be popular?
It’s difficult to predict the future of the “What Is He Cooking?” meme, but it has shown remarkable staying power. The meme has been popular for several years, and it continues to be widely used and referenced. Its versatility and relatability have helped it to endure, and it remains a popular way to comment on current events and everyday situations.
As long as people continue to find the meme funny and relatable, it is likely to remain popular. The meme’s popularity has also been fueled by its widespread use on social media platforms, where it can be easily shared and disseminated. Even if the meme’s popularity waxes and wanes, it is likely to remain a cultural phenomenon for years to come.