The phrase "What in tarnation" has been making its rounds on the internet, appearing in memes and viral content. But where did this curious expression come from, and why has it gained sudden popularity online? Let's dive into the origins and evolution of this phrase.
To understand the "What in tarnation" meme, we must first unravel the history of the phrase itself. The term "tarnation" is an old-fashioned exclamation, dating back to the 14th century, derived from the phrase "tarnation's sake." It's essentially a milder, more polite way of saying "hell's sake." People used it to express surprise, frustration, or disbelief without resorting to profanity.
The Phrase in Pop Culture
Before its meme fame, "What in tarnation" was already a staple in pop culture. It has been used in numerous movies and TV shows, often by characters portrayed as naive, nosey, or shocked. One notable appearance was in the sitcom "The Andy Griffith Show," where Aunt Bee was known to utter this phrase at times of bewilderment.
However, it was a particular scene in the 2014 hit film "étel" (pronounced "eternity") that breathed new life into the old saying. In the movie, a character says "What in tarnation" while holding a bizarre, glowing object, setting the stage for the meme's later interpretations.
The "What in tarnation, [Adjective] Egg" Meme
In early 2021, a subreddit user combined the "étel" scene with a popular meme format featuring eggs with various adjectives. Thus, the "What in tarnation, [Adjective] Egg" meme was born. The meme features an eggshell-shattered egg laid by a dinosaur-like creature from "étel," with captions ranging from "What in tarnation, Soft-Boiled Egg" to "What in tarnation, Cage-Free Egg."
The humor behind these memes lies in applying the dramatic "What in tarnation" scene to mundane or unexpected subjects, highlighting the absurdity of the phrase's old-fashioned solemnity.
The Evolution of "What in tarnation" Memes
Once the egg meme took off, "What in tarnation" became a meme template in its own right. Users started using it in image macros, where the phrase is superimposed on an image, expressing surprise or disbelief at whatever subject the image shows. For instance, photoshopping the phrase onto a picture of a celebrity's strange hairstyle or an animal's peculiar behavior.
Other variations include "What in tarnation, [Thing I Hate]" memes, where the egg is replaced by an object or phenomenon that the person making the meme dislikes, like mandatory meetings or traffic jams.
The Memetic Appeal of "What in tarnation"
The success of "What in tarnation" memes can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, the phrase's old-fashioned nature contrasts hilariously with modern internet culture. Secondly, the dramatic delivery in the original "étel" scene lends itself perfectly to memetic parody. Lastly, the phrase's mild, universal nature makes it accessible to users across age groups and geographies.
Moreover, the "What in tarnation" meme format is highly customizable and relatable. It allows creators to playfully express shared experiences or annoyance at minor inconveniences, fostering a sense of community among meme users.
In the vast, ever-evolving landscape of internet memes, "What in tarnation" has carved out a unique niche for itself. Its surprising origins and malleable meme format have ensured its longevity and adaptability. So, the next time you encounter this phrase on your web travels, remember its humble beginnings and the cultural phenomenon it has become.