The internet has a knack for taking the simplest of things and turning them into global memes. Take the "Speed Not Laugh Face" meme, for instance. It's so prevalent that you'd hardly find an internet user who hasn't seen it, yet few understand its origin or meaning. Let's dive into the meme that's as popular as it is puzzling.
The "Speed Not Laugh Face" meme is actually not a laughing meme at all, as its name suggests. Instead, it's a screenshot from a YouTube video of a Brooklyn Nets game, captured during a moment of intense anticipation. The image shows three players - Deron Williams, Joe Johnson, and Shaun Livingston - looking focused, almost unreadable, before a crucial play.
Unraveling the Origin of the Meme
To grasp the meme's inception, we must rewind to May 5, 2014. The Brooklyn Nets were up against the Toronto Raptors in Game 4 of their first-round playoff series. The game was intense, with the crowd on their feet, every moment critical. The image in question was taken right before a crucial three-pointer by Deron Williams.
The meme’s popularity started with a single tweet by @Doctypekenobi, who captioned the image, "Speed Not Laugh Face." The term "speed not laugh face" was borrowed from a line in the movie "Pitch Perfect," adding to the meme's contradictory nature as the original line referred to laughing, not speed.
From Play-off Moment to Memes
What made this moment ripe for memes was the players' facial expressions. They're teils focused, teils tense, the picture of concentration. It wasn't laughter, but it was a funny sight given the context. People started applying this "speed not laugh face" to any intense, serious moment that had an element of unexpectedness or irony.
One of the earliest and most popular variations was the "Mission Not Laugh Face," featuring characters from the Mission: Impossible movies. This variant perfectly captured the film series' tone and timing, proving the meme's adaptability and wide appeal.
Beyond Sports and Movies: The Meme's Evolution
The "Speed Not Laugh Face" meme has transcended its sports and movie roots, finding application in various situations. It's been paired with ongoing joke formats like a prediction gone wrong or a well-timed joke. It's shown up in reaction images with characters displaying expressions that mirror the original's intense anticipation.
Its humor often lies in the unexpected, contrasting scenarios. For instance, pair it with a Star Wars scene, and it becomes a light-hearted meme that acknowledges the tension and anticipation in stereotypical movie moments.
Why It Persists
The "Speed Not Laugh Face" meme persists for several reasons. Its simplicity and versatility make it easy to adapt to new contexts. It's a relatable moment of intense anticipation, which anyone can appreciate. Plus, its name satisfies the "uckles" trend popular in many memes, making it appealing to share and use in jokes.
Moreover, the speed face's expression also has an subtle universality. Whether it's on the court, in a movie, or in real life, it captures the moment just before something big happens - a moment familiar to us all.
The Meme's Cultural Impact
The "Speed Not Laugh Face" has become a cornerstone in internet culture. It's been repurposed, remixed, and referenced countless times on sites like Reddit, Tumblr, and Twitter. Its derivative memes, like Mission Not Laugh Face, have also gained significant traction.
The original image has been photoshopped countless times, featuring everything from animated characters to historical figures. This persistent reimagining has helped keep the "Speed Not Laugh Face" relevant and engaging.
In the ever-evolving world of internet memes, the "Speed Not Laugh Face" stands out as a classic. Its versatility and enduring humor ensure it'll continue to pop up in our online conversations, capturing the moment before the big moment.