The "Laughing in his Face" meme has become a staple of internet culture, known for its iconic image and ubiquitous usage. But what sparked its popularity, and why does it persist to this day?
Origins and Early Popularization
The meme is built around a particular scene from the 2005 film "The Devil Wears Prada", starring Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway. Streep portrays Miranda Priestly, a powerful and demanding magazine editor, who shreds a stack of dresses in a scene that has been heavily memed.
It was popularized in 2008 when Laughing Squid, a technology and digital culture blog, posted a video of the scene with the caption "Anne Hathaway laughing at Meryl Streep in 'The Devil Wears Prada'". This simple post ignited the meme's spark.
Evolution and Variations
The meme evolved quickly, with changes in tone, format, and context. It started as a simple laugh at the expense of a powerful character but transformed into a commentary on power dynamics, dashed dreams, and failed expectations.
One of the most popular variants, "Celebrity Deathmatch Laughing Memes", replaced Streep's shredding scene with death notifications of various celebrities. This twist added a layer of dark humor and ghoulish pleasure to the meme.
Global Linguistic Adaptations
The meme spread globally, gaining lokal linguistic adaptations. In France, it's known as "Rire au Face", in Germany "Lachen ins Gesicht", and in Spain "Riéndose en su Cara". Each region adopted and adapted the meme, demonstrating its universal appeal.
Even languages that don't use the same phonemes as 'laughter' found ways to incorporate the linguistic aspect of the meme, akin to Reddit user u/Sparta646's creative use of 'jojo' in a "Simpsons" meme.
Why It Persists: universality and relevance
The "Laughing in his Face" meme persists because it taps into universal human emotions – joy, schadenfreude, and power dynamics. Whenever someone experiences a triumph over an antagonist, this meme is there to celebrate that moment.
Moreover, its relevance extends beyond entertainment. It's been used to comment on politics, socio-economic issues, and even scientific researches. It has transcended its original format, becoming a symbol and a narrative in itself.
In Pop Culture and Politics
It has found its way into prime-time television shows like "The Big Bang Theory" and "The Simpsons". In politics, it's been used to mark symbolic victories, like when Greece received financial aid, or to comment on Brexit.
For instance, when President Obama finally closed the Guantanamo Bay detention camp, a meme depicting Streep laughing was shared with the caption "Laughing in the faces of the torture apologists on the Right tonight".
A Symbol of Triumph
The meme's ability to encapsulate joy and triumph makes it a universal consumption fanbase – from geeks to gamers, from socialists to capitalists. It's a shorthand for "We've got them where we want them," "Charlie Bit My Finger," and "Expect Us" all rolled into one.
Ultimately, the "Laughing in his Face" meme isn't merely a historical artifact; it's a resilient symbol, adapting to new trends, evolving with every share, like a laughing fit that just won't quit.