Meme · reaction
The ‘Wojak’ Meme, Explained
Mainstream
“gained popularity. Wojak was also paired with the template phrase”
via en.wikipedia.org
See it in action
Video: Wojak memes in real life pt. 1 🤯 #wojak #meme #memes #reallife #doomer, embedded from its original platform.
What the meme is
Wojak is a versatile meme that has taken on many forms over the years. Its original form features a simple, black-outlined cartoon drawing of a bald man with a wistful expression. This character has been used to convey emotions and tell stories in various meme forms, often with humorous or relatable results.
The meme's popularity can be attributed to its ability to be adapted and remixed into different forms, each with its own unique characteristics and uses. For example, NPC Wojak is used to mock people who cannot think for themselves, while Coomer represents someone with a pornography addiction. Doomer, on the other hand, embodies nihilism and clinical depression.
Wojak's various forms have also been used to represent different personalities, traits, and ideologies. For instance, the Big Brain Wojak is used to mock pretentious or wannabe intellectuals, while the Brainlet Wojak is used to portray self-described intellectuals. The Tradwife Wojak, also known as Wifejak, embodies traditional gender roles and conservative values.
Despite its versatility, Wojak has also been associated with controversy, particularly with regards to its use by far-right groups. However, it's essential to note that the meme's origins and primary use are not inherently tied to these ideologies. [1][2][3]
The receipt
Original post, embedded from Reddit, linked and credited. Visuals on this page are shown for commentary and identification.
Origin
First seen: 2009
The origins of Wojak are not well-documented, but it is believed to have originated on Polish imageboard Vichan in 2009. The meme gained popularity on 4chan and has since evolved into various forms. A user named 'Wojak' shared the image on German imageboard Krautchan in 2010, which started the meme.
The image spread to many imageboards, including 4chan, where by 2011, an image of two Wojaks hugging each other under the caption 'I know that feel bro' gained popularity. [1][2][3]
How it spread
Wojak's versatility and adaptability have contributed to its enduring popularity. Its ability to be remixed and reinterpreted has allowed it to stay relevant in the ever-changing world of internet memes.
The meme's ability to be used in different contexts and to convey various emotions and ideas has made it a staple of internet culture. Its use in parodying and mocking different ideologies, personalities, and traits has also contributed to its popularity.
Wojak's popularity has also been fueled by its use on various social media platforms, including Twitter, Reddit, and Tumblr. The meme's ability to be easily shared and remixed has allowed it to spread quickly and reach a wide audience.
Variants & examples
Wojak can be used in various contexts, from humorous memes to more serious discussions. However, it's essential to be aware of the meme's potential associations with far-right ideologies and to use it responsibly.
- “I know that feel, bro”A Wojak meme used to express empathy and relatability.
- “NPC Wojak”A meme used to mock people who cannot think for themselves. This variant gained media attention in 2018 due to its usage in parodying the supposed herd mentality of American liberals.
- “Coomer Wojak”A meme used to represent someone with a pornography addiction. This variant picked up in popularity in November 2019 with the 'No Nut November' trend.
- “Doomer Wojak”A meme used to embody nihilism and clinical depression. This variant first appeared on 4chan's /r9k/ board in September 2018 and has since been used to represent a character archetype that believes in the incipient end of the world.
Frequently asked
What is Wojak?
Wojak is a simple, black-outlined cartoon drawing of a bald man with a wistful expression, used to convey emotions and tell stories in various meme forms.
Where did Wojak originate?
Wojak is believed to have originated on Polish imageboard Vichan in 2009.
Is Wojak associated with far-right ideologies?
While Wojak has been used by far-right groups, its origins and primary use are not inherently tied to these ideologies. However, it's essential to be aware of the meme's potential associations and to use it responsibly.
Related memes
More memes
Sources
- knowyourmeme.com — Know Your Meme: wojak
- en.wikipedia.org — Wikipedia: Wojak (meme)
- urbandictionary.com — Urban Dictionary: wojak