The Enduring Legacy Of "What Are Those?": Unpacking An Internet Phenomenon

In the vast, ever-evolving landscape of internet culture, few phrases have etched themselves into our collective consciousness quite like the "What Are Those?" meme. This iconic query, delivered with a mix of surprise and judgment, transcended its humble origins to become a global phenomenon, shaping online discourse and even influencing real-world interactions. From its spontaneous birth on social media to its enduring presence years later, understanding the "What Are Those?" meme offers a fascinating glimpse into the mechanics of virality, humor, and cultural resonance in the digital age.

More than just a fleeting trend, the "What Are Those?" meme stands as a testament to the power of simplicity and relatability in achieving widespread appeal. It captured a universal human tendency to playfully (or sometimes not-so-playfully) critique someone's attire, particularly their footwear. Its journey from a single video clip to a ubiquitous catchphrase highlights how quickly content can spread, evolve, and embed itself into the fabric of online communication, proving that truly funny content can indeed change how we talk about culture.

Table of Contents

• The Genesis of a Viral Sensation: How "What Are Those?" Was Born
  • The Man Behind the Meme: Who is Brandon Moore (Young Busco)?
• Decoding the Humor: Why "What Are Those?" Resonated
• The Evolution of an Insult: From Footwear to Everything
• The Ripple Effect: Social Media Impact and Cultural Shift
  • The Power of Relatability in Viral Content
• The Anatomy of Meme Longevity: Why Some Memes Endure
• "What Are Those?" in Modern Context: Adaptations and Relevance Today
  • From Vine to TikTok: A Meme's Platform Journey
• Beyond the Laughs: The Cultural Significance of "What Are Those?"
  • Meme Psychology in Action: Understanding Viral Spread

The Genesis of a Viral Sensation: How "What Are Those?" Was Born

The "What Are Those?" meme didn't emerge from a meticulously planned marketing campaign or a high-budget production. Instead, its birth was a quintessential example of organic internet virality, stemming from a moment of genuine, albeit playful, confrontation. The core of the meme is a series of parody and remix videos based on a short clip of a man who asks a police officer about his work boots in a startled manner. This seemingly innocuous interaction was captured and shared, unknowingly laying the groundwork for a cultural phenomenon.

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The original video was born on June 14th, 2015, when Instagram user Brandon Moore, also known by his online moniker Young Busco, uploaded a clip that would forever change internet slang. In this pivotal moment, he confronts a police officer by loudly asking, “What are those?” before panning to his rather ugly pair of shoes. Upon its surfacing on Instagram and Vine in 2015, the video clip quickly went viral and amassed millions of views on social media. Its raw, unscripted nature, combined with the sheer audacity and comedic timing of the delivery, struck a chord with internet users globally. It became an instant hit, immediately spawning its imitators, with countless individuals recreating the scenario in their own unique ways, from teenagers asking their grandmothers about their footwear to friends playfully roasting each other's fashion choices.

It's worth noting that the expression "What are those?" was an existing phrase well before the videos popularized it. An article defining the term was uploaded to Urban Dictionary in 2011 by user johnxryan95, indicating that the sentiment behind the meme had already been brewing in online lexicon. However, it was Young Busco's video that gave the phrase its definitive visual and auditory punch, catapulting it from niche slang to mainstream internet culture. This fusion of a pre-existing expression with a perfectly executed visual gag is a key factor in the meme's explosive growth and enduring appeal.

The Man Behind the Meme: Who is Brandon Moore (Young Busco)?

At the heart of the "What Are Those?" meme is Brandon Moore, widely known by his online alias, Young Busco. While the meme itself became a global sensation, the individual who sparked it played a crucial role in its authenticity and initial virality. Young Busco's confrontational yet humorous delivery in the original video was the catalyst, showcasing a spontaneous moment that resonated deeply with audiences.

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Brandon Moore, under the name Young Busco, was an active presence on social media platforms like Instagram and Vine, where the short-form video format allowed for rapid content dissemination. His ability to capture and share such a relatable and comical interaction demonstrates the power of individual creators in shaping internet culture. Though the meme took on a life of its own, independent of its creator, it's important to acknowledge the individual whose quick wit and camera work brought this iconic moment into existence. His contribution underscores how everyday moments, when shared and amplified by the internet, can become cultural touchstones.

Here is a brief overview of Brandon Moore:

Decoding the Humor: Why "What Are Those?" Resonated

The success of the "What Are Those?" meme isn't just about a funny moment; it's a textbook example of how something can go viral by tapping into fundamental aspects of human psychology and social interaction. It became popular because of its humor, simplicity, and fit with current social media trends. These factors caught the eye of many internet users, ensuring its rapid spread and lasting impact.

Meme psychology shows us why it was so successful. Firstly, it offered instant comedic recognition. The sudden, dramatic delivery of "What are those?" after a setup like "I have one question for you" creates an immediate punchline that is universally understood. There's no complex context required; the humor is self-evident. Secondly, it boasts a low barrier to recreation. Anyone with a phone could point it at someone's shoes (or anything else) and deliver the line, making it incredibly accessible for user-generated content. This ease of replication fueled its spread, as people could effortlessly participate in the trend without needing specialized skills or equipment.

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, its appeal was universal. The act of playfully mocking someone's questionable fashion choices, particularly their footwear, is a relatable human experience across cultures and demographics. The meme became a playful takedown of ugly or unbecoming shoes, transforming what might be an awkward social moment into a shared, humorous experience. This universality ensured that the "What Are Those?" meme transcended linguistic and cultural barriers, allowing it to resonate with a broad audience and cement its place as an internet classic.

The Evolution of an Insult: From Footwear to Everything

While the "What Are Those?" meme originated specifically as a commentary on a police officer's work boots, its genius lies in its adaptability. What started as a focused critique of footwear quickly evolved into a versatile insult, capable of being applied to virtually anything deemed unusual, unappealing, or simply out of place. This flexibility is a key reason why the "What Are Those?" meme has maintained its relevance and humor over the years.

Initially, the meme was almost exclusively used to mock shoes. Someone going "What are thooooose?" was roughly equivalent to asking, "What are you wearing?" or "Why are you out in public in that?" It was a direct, albeit humorous, slight at one's outfit or shoes. However, the inherent humor in the phrase allowed it to break free from this narrow application. It rapidly became a general-purpose expression for pointing out anything that you want to insult somebody about, or simply question in a bewildered manner.

For instance, the meme could be deployed when a girl has a weird hairstyle, and you can point at her hair like, "What is that?" with the same intonation and comedic effect. This expansion of its utility demonstrates a crucial aspect of meme longevity: the ability to transcend its original context and find new applications. Whether it's an oddly shaped vegetable, a bizarre piece of art, or an unusual animal, the phrase "What Are Those?" can be humorously deployed to express confusion, disbelief, or mild ridicule. This linguistic flexibility has allowed the "What Are Those?" meme to remain fresh and relevant, adapting to countless new situations and ensuring its continued presence in online and even offline conversations.

The Ripple Effect: Social Media Impact and Cultural Shift

The viral trend 'What Are Those?' did more than just provide a few laughs; it sparked a remarkable surge in social media followers, with many accounts witnessing increases of up to 200% shortly after the meme gained traction. This surge is largely attributed to the trend's humor and relatability, which particularly resonated with younger audiences on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. The meme became a powerful tool for engagement, allowing users to connect through shared laughter and a common understanding of internet culture.

The "What Are Those?" meme is a great example of how something can go viral and profoundly impact social media dynamics. Its widespread adoption demonstrated the immense power of user-generated content to drive engagement and grow online communities. For content creators, participating in the "What Are Those?" trend was a low-effort, high-reward strategy for increasing visibility and attracting new followers. The simplicity of recreating the meme meant that virtually anyone could join in, contributing to its exponential spread across various platforms.

Beyond follower counts, the "What Are Those?" meme shows how humor, fashion, and social media come together to create cultural moments. It proves that funny content can really change how we talk about culture, influencing not just our online interactions but also our everyday language and how we perceive fashion. It became a shorthand for playful critique, a cultural reference point that transcended its digital origins to become part of the broader lexicon. This meme, therefore, isn't just a funny video; it's a significant case study in how viral content can shape social norms and conversational patterns in the digital age.

The Power of Relatability in Viral Content

The enduring success of the "What Are Those?" meme can be largely attributed to its profound relatability. At its core, the meme taps into a universal human experience: the spontaneous, sometimes judgmental, reaction to someone's unusual or questionable attire. We've all, at some point, seen something someone is wearing and thought, "What is that?" The meme simply amplifies this internal thought into a dramatic, comedic outburst.

This relatability transcends cultural boundaries because the concept of fashion, and the occasional misstep within it, is globally understood. Whether it's an ill-fitting garment, an outdated style, or simply a pair of shoes that defy conventional aesthetics, the "What Are Those?" meme provides a humorous outlet for expressing that shared observation. It allows individuals to connect over a common, albeit lighthearted, critique, fostering a sense of community among those who "get" the joke. This shared understanding and the low barrier to participation, coupled with the inherent humor, make the meme a powerful example of how relatable content can achieve widespread viral success and maintain its relevance for years.

The Anatomy of Meme Longevity: Why Some Memes Endure

The life of a meme can be hard to predict. Many flash brightly for a few weeks or months and then fade into obscurity, becoming relics of a bygone internet era. But "What Are Those?" is different; it's a hilarious meme that’s still alive. This begs the question: why some memes die while "What Are Those?" lives on? Its enduring presence offers valuable insights into the factors that contribute to a meme's longevity.

One key factor is its sheer versatility. As discussed, the "What Are Those?" meme quickly transcended its original focus on shoes to become a general-purpose expression of bewilderment or playful insult. This adaptability means it can be applied to an endless array of new contexts, keeping it fresh and relevant in ever-changing internet conversations. Unlike memes tied to specific events or niche references, "What Are Those?" taps into a universal human reaction to the unusual or unappealing, ensuring its timeless appeal.

Another element is its simplicity and memorability. The phrase itself is short, punchy, and easy to recall. The dramatic delivery, often accompanied by a sudden camera pan, is instantly recognizable. This makes it easy to incorporate into conversations, whether online or offline, and ensures that its core comedic value remains intact regardless of the specific application. Furthermore, the meme's low barrier to entry for creation means that new variations and parodies continue to emerge, constantly breathing new life into the concept. This continuous stream of user-generated content prevents the meme from becoming stale, allowing it to adapt and thrive across generations of internet users and platforms, solidifying its status as an enduring classic.

"What Are Those?" in Modern Context: Adaptations and Relevance Today

Despite originating in 2015, the "What Are Those?" meme has proven remarkably resilient, adapting to new social media landscapes and continuing to find relevance in contemporary internet culture. Its longevity is a testament to its foundational humor and the universal nature of its underlying sentiment. Even today, you'll encounter variations of the "What Are Those?" meme across various platforms, demonstrating its continued presence and adaptability.

For instance, the phrase can be seen in completely new contexts, far removed from footwear. An example from the provided data shows its use in an aviation context: "What are those white dots😭 #aviation #aviationlovers #airportsecurity #airport #tsa #tsapre #security #avgeek #flying #foryou #traveltok #departure #aviationlife #tia luckyshamroc gavin 👨🏻‍ ️ ️". This demonstrates how the core query – expressing confusion or mild alarm at something unusual – remains potent, even when applied to technical or niche subjects. The meme's ability to transcend its original visual and thematic constraints allows it to be reinterpreted and reused in countless creative ways, ensuring its continued virality.

Its journey from Vine, a platform known for its short, looping videos, to Instagram's visual feed, and now to TikTok's dominant short-form video ecosystem, showcases its remarkable cross-platform compatibility. Each platform offers a slightly different canvas for the meme, allowing it to evolve while retaining its core identity. This continuous adaptation is crucial for any meme hoping to survive the rapid pace of internet trends, and "What Are Those?" has mastered this art, remaining a relevant and recognizable piece of online slang for nearly a decade.

From Vine to TikTok: A Meme's Platform Journey

The trajectory of the "What Are Those?" meme offers a fascinating case study in how viral content navigates and thrives across different social media platforms. Born on Vine and Instagram in 2015, it capitalized on Vine's unique six-second looping video format, which was perfect for its quick, punchy delivery. We can't stop watching Vines was a common sentiment, and "What Are Those?" fit perfectly into this addictive, shareable ecosystem. Instagram, with its burgeoning video capabilities, also provided fertile ground for its initial spread, reaching a broader audience.

As Vine eventually faded, the meme didn't. Its inherent adaptability allowed it to seamlessly transition to other platforms. Instagram continued to be a hub for its remixes and parodies, especially with the introduction of Stories and Reels. More recently, the "What Are Those?" meme has found a vibrant new home on TikTok. TikTok's emphasis on short-form, creative videos, often set to trending sounds, provided a fresh canvas for the meme. Users continue to integrate the phrase into skits, reactions, and challenges, proving that a truly strong meme concept can transcend the rise and fall of specific platforms, finding new audiences and new forms of expression wherever short-form video thrives.

Beyond the Laughs: The Cultural Significance of "What Are Those?"

The "What Are Those?" meme is far more than just a fleeting internet joke; it's a significant cultural artifact that illustrates the dynamic interplay between humor, fashion, and social media. It stands as a testament to the power of collective creativity and the democratic nature of internet culture, where a single, spontaneous moment can ignite a global phenomenon. This meme proves that funny content can really change how we talk about culture, influencing both our digital interactions and our understanding of social norms.

Its impact extends to the very fabric of online communication. The phrase "What Are Those?" has become a recognized piece of internet slang, often used outside of its original context to express surprise, confusion, or playful criticism. It embodies the internet's capacity to create shared references and inside jokes that resonate with millions, fostering a sense of community among those who participate in or understand the meme. This shared language and humor contribute to the unique identity of online communities, making conversations more engaging and relatable.

Furthermore, the "What Are Those?" meme highlights the informal, often irreverent, way in which fashion is discussed and critiqued in the digital age. It democratizes fashion commentary, allowing anyone with a phone to become a "critic," albeit a humorous one. This shift reflects a broader trend in social media where personal expression and spontaneous reactions often take precedence over formal critique. The meme's longevity is a clear indicator of its deep embedding within contemporary culture, serving as a reminder of how seemingly simple online content can leave a lasting legacy and continue to shape our conversations about the world around us.

Meme Psychology in Action: Understanding Viral Spread

The "What Are Those?" meme offers a compelling case study in meme psychology, providing clear insights into the mechanisms behind viral spread. Its success can be distilled into three core psychological triggers: instant comedic recognition, a low barrier to recreation, and universal relatability. These elements, working in concert, created a perfect storm for virality.

Instant comedic recognition is crucial. The dramatic setup and sudden punchline of "What are those?" immediately elicit a laugh, requiring no complex backstory or cultural context. This makes it highly shareable, as the humor is self-contained and universally understood. The low barrier to recreation meant that anyone could participate, fostering a sense of collective ownership and creativity. People didn't just consume the meme; they actively contributed to its evolution by creating their own versions, thereby amplifying its reach exponentially. Finally, its universal appeal stems from tapping into a common human experience – the playful critique of appearance. This relatability ensures that the meme resonates across diverse demographics, making it a shared cultural touchstone. Understanding these psychological underpinnings is key to grasping why the "What Are Those?" meme became, and remains, such an indelible part of internet history.

The "What Are Those?" meme is a great example of how something can go viral and stay relevant, proving that funny content can really change how we talk about culture. It shows how humor, fashion, and social media come together in powerful ways.

Conclusion

From its spontaneous birth on Instagram and Vine in 2015, delivered by Brandon Moore (Young Busco) in a moment of comedic genius, the "What Are Those?" meme has cemented its place as an enduring icon of internet culture. Its journey from a specific critique of ugly shoes to a versatile, universal expression of bewilderment or playful insult highlights the dynamic and adaptable nature of viral content. The meme's success is a clear testament to its humor, simplicity, and profound relatability, which allowed it to resonate with millions and spark significant social media engagement.

The "What Are Those?" meme is a hilarious meme that's still alive, defying the often-unpredictable lifespan of internet trends. It showcases how a simple, well-executed concept can transcend platforms, evolve in meaning, and remain relevant for years, shaping our online conversations and even influencing our everyday language. Its longevity serves as a powerful reminder of the internet's capacity to create shared cultural touchstones from the most unexpected origins.

What are your thoughts on the "What Are Those?" meme? Have you used it recently, or do you have a favorite parody? Share your experiences and insights in the comments below! And if you enjoyed this deep dive into internet phenomena, be sure to explore more of our articles on viral trends and digital culture.

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