The 'Big Laughing Face' meme, né' on the internet in 2011, is a vintage web joke that's circulated the globe with its infectious chuckles. Represented by a large, yellow face with tears of joy, this emoji (😂) is the original meme, a cultural phenomenon that's transcended the digital world, indicating mirth in the most universal of human languages.
Born out of a Twitter update in which the Unicode Consortium introduced new emojis, it rapidly gained traction, its 'big laughing face' observed as an evolution of the traditional laughing emoticon, 'LOL'. It's prevalence and wide-spread use soon led to its designation as the Oxford Dictionaries' 'Word' of the Year in 2015, in emoji form of course.
Birth & Evolution
The 'Big Laughing Face' meme, like many others, evolved from a single image. This one, an ASCII art of a grinning face, had been enjoyable for countless internet users since the '90s. When Unicode added the teary-eyed emoji to its repertoire, users swiftly adopted it as an upgrade, incorporating it into their digital conversations, and lo, a meme was born!
Over the years, variants have emerged, spawning a multiverse of laughing faces in various contexts and dress codes. From the 'Distracted Boyfriend' repurposed into 'Big Laughing Face' memes to the wholesome 'Baby Yoda' giggles, its adaptability ensures it stays relevant and engaging.
Memeloading the Internet
With its organicallyidespread reach and staunchly humorous message, 'Big Laughing Face' has become a staple on social media platforms. Instagram, Facebook, Twitter - it's ubiquitous, often reflecting the humor of our collective conscious. When and where it started? No one can say, but its impact on digital communication is evident.
In a 2020 study by Emoji Tracker, it ranked as one of the most used emojis on Twitter, highlighting its enduring popularity. Every day, it's sent millions of times around the world, adding a smile to countless conversations.
Beyond Emojis
Besides its textual expression, the 'Big Laughing Face' has found its way onto merchandise, from t-shirts to keychains. It's been immortalized in street art and tattoos, testament to its cultural impact. In an era often criticized for lack of personal connection, the 'Big Laughing Face' provides a unifying bridge of humour, transcending digital boundaries.
A 2017 ASOS campaign, "Laugh out loud", leveraged this impact, creating adverts full of laughing emojis, even challenging customers to share their laughter online. The phenomenon gazes back at us from billboards, inviting participation and interaction.
Influence & Impact
The 'Big Laughing Face' has transcended its Unicode origins to become a signifier of joy and mirth. It's a rallying cry for laughter and embodies the internet's penchant for humor, serving as a collective emotional shortcut.
Companies, organizations, and individuals constantly reference it, leveraging its humour and ease of use. For example, laughing patrons of a certain American donut chain can snag exclusive deals, driving foot traffic and brand engagement.
Overuse & Criticism
Despite its pervasive popularity (or perhaps because of it), 'Big Laughing Face' has its naysayers. Critics decry its overuse, arguing that constant laughter loses its emotive power. As with any popular meme, there's a danger of dilution and grotesque aberration.
Some also lament the loss of nuance, suggesting our emotional palette has been simplified into a single, cartoonish expression. "It's joy or disbelief or both," says one critic, "but not the tragedy or loss, or the gentle melancholy of a sarcastic tongue-click."
The Enduring Joy
Regardless of criticism, 'Big Laughing Face' continues to delight. From subtweets to DMs, it microexpresses our fleeting emotions. It's not perfect, but neither is life. The 'Big Laughing Face' meme doesn't try to be anything more than it is - a clever way to insert happier times into sad moments. It's okay not to be okay, and that's laughter's greatest strength.
So, after all that, perhaps the final word should go to the 'Big Laughing Face' itself. 😂