Are you ready to go back in time? We’re taking you back to 2008, the year when memes were just beginning to emerge on the internet. It’s hard to believe now, but back then, memes were a relatively new concept, and there was no such thing as “going viral.”
In this article, we’ll be exploring the world of Eddsworld, a flash animation series that became popular during this time. We’ll delve into the history of Eddsworld and how it contributed to the birth of internet memes. We’ll also examine how memes have evolved over time and their impact on our culture. So get ready to lol at some old-school memes and remember a time when the internet was a simpler place.
What is Eddsworld?
In case you didn’t know, Eddsworld was a flash animation series created by British animator Edd Gould. The series followed the adventures of four friends – Edd, Tom, Matt, and Tord – as they got into all sorts of wacky situations. The series was known for its irreverent humor and quirky style.
Eddsworld gained a cult following on the internet, particularly on websites like Newgrounds and DeviantArt, where fans could view and download the animations for free. The series was a hit with younger audiences, but also had older fans who appreciated its edgy humor and pop culture references.
The Birth of Memes
So, how did Eddsworld contribute to the birth of memes? Well, it all started with a character named “Tord.” Tord was one of the four main characters in the series, and he quickly became a favorite among fans. But it wasn’t just because of his quirky personality – it was because of his catchphrase.
Tord’s catchphrase was “Don’t Tase Me, Bro!” This line was first uttered in an episode of Eddsworld called “25ft Under the Seat.” In the episode, Tord finds himself trapped in a submarine and is confronted by a robotic arm. He yells out “Don’t Tase Me, Bro!” as a way of defending himself.
The line quickly became a meme, thanks in part to the popularity of Eddsworld. The phrase was used as a catch-all response to anyone who felt like they were being unfairly attacked or singled out. It was a way of saying, “Hey, don’t hurt me!” in a humorous way.
The Evolution of Memes
Of course, memes have come a long way since the days of “Don’t Tase Me, Bro!” Today, memes are everywhere on the internet, and they come in all shapes and sizes. From reaction memes to image macros to video memes, there’s no shortage of ways to express yourself through memery.
One of the most popular types of memes today is the reaction meme. These are memes that feature a still image or video clip along with a humorous caption that reflects a particular emotion or reaction. For example, the popular “Distracted Boyfriend” meme shows a man looking at another woman while his girlfriend looks on in disgust.
Another popular type of meme is the image macro. These are memes that feature a still image, often with a caption overlaid in bold white letters. One of the most well-known image macros is the “I Can Has Cheezburger?” meme, which features a picture of a cat with the caption “I Can Has Cheezburger?”
Memes Today
So, what is the state of memes in 2021? Well, they’re still going strong. In fact, memes have become so ubiquitous that they’re now a part of our everyday language. It’s not uncommon to hear someone say “that’s a mood” or “I can’t even” in response to something that’s happened.
Some of the most popular memes of the past year include the “Karen” meme, which mocks entitled and demanding people, and the “Among Us” meme, which is based on the popular video game of the same name. Of course, there are also plenty of memes that are only popular for a short time, known as “flash in the pan” memes.
But no matter the type of meme, there’s always someone out there creating new and hilarious content. Memes are a part of our culture now, and they’re likely here to stay.
The Legacy of Eddsworld
So, what happened to Eddsworld after the “Don’t Tase Me, Bro!” meme took off? Well, the series continued for several more years, but sadly, its creator Edd Gould passed away in 2012. His friends and collaborators have continued to create new Eddsworld content in his memory.
But even though Eddsworld is no longer being produced, its legacy lives on. The series played a significant role in the birth of internet memes, and its irreverent, off-the-wall humor helped shape the landscape of online humor.
If you’re feeling nostalgic for the golden age of internet memes, take some time to revisit Eddsworld and other classic flash animations from the late 2000s. You might just find yourself laughing at memes that you thought you had long forgotten.
Conclusion
In conclusion, we hope this article has given you a laugh and a trip down memory lane. Eddsworld was just one of many flash animations that helped shape the internet landscape of the late 2000s, and its impact on meme culture can still be felt today.
From “Don’t Tase Me, Bro!” to “Karen” and beyond, memes have come a long way over the past decade, but their ability to make us laugh and connect with one another remains as strong as ever. Long live the meme!
| Meme Type | Example |
|---|---|
| Reaction | Distracted Boyfriend |
| Image Macro | I Can Has Cheezburger? |
| Video | Charlie Bit My Finger |
References:
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eddsworld
- https://knowyourmeme.com/memes/dont-tase-me-bro
- https://www.reddit.com/r/OutOfTheLoop/comments/8skv7d/why_was_tord_the_only_one_to_leave_eddsworld/
- https://www.wired.com/story/the-best-memes-of-2020-so-far/
- https://www.dictionary.com/e/memes/
- https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-features/karen-meme-meaning-katy-perry-1031104/