The internet is a breeding ground for memes, those viral snippets of humor that capture the zeitgeist of a moment. Some are fleeting, burning bright and then fading into obscurity. Others, however, possess a staying power, evolving and adapting to remain relevant years after their initial explosion. One such meme, a poignant blend of feline sadness and relatable human emotion, is the “Crying Cat” meme. But what exactly is the Crying Cat meme? How did it originate, and why does it continue to resonate with internet users around the world? Let’s delve into the fascinating story behind this internet sensation.
Understanding the Crying Cat Meme: The Basics
At its core, the Crying Cat meme refers to a collection of images, videos, and derivatives featuring cats with expressions that resemble human sadness or distress, often characterized by large, watery eyes. These expressions are usually natural feline features, but through the magic of context and creative editing, they are interpreted as displays of sorrow, disappointment, or general malaise. The meme’s versatility lies in its ability to be paired with captions that reflect relatable everyday anxieties, frustrations, and disappointments. It’s a perfect vessel for expressing the subtle, often humorous, tragedies of modern life.
The Anatomy of a Crying Cat: Identifying Key Characteristics
While many felines could technically be considered “crying” based on a superficial glance, the true Crying Cat meme boasts specific visual traits. These usually include:
- Large, Round Eyes: These eyes are key to conveying the perceived sadness. They often appear to be wider than usual, enhancing the effect.
- Slightly Drooping Mouth: A subtle downturn at the corners of the mouth further contributes to the impression of melancholy.
- A Generally Disappointed Expression: This is the overarching element that ties everything together. It’s a feeling of resignation, mild unhappiness, or quiet despair.
- Strategic Use of Filters and Editing: In some variations, filters or editing techniques are applied to amplify the perceived sadness, perhaps by adding tear-like effects or adjusting the lighting.
Distinguishing Crying Cat from Sad Cat
It’s important to distinguish the Crying Cat meme from the broader category of “Sad Cat” images. While both involve felines displaying unhappy expressions, the Crying Cat meme often carries a specific, more exaggerated, and often humorous tone. “Sad Cat” can encompass a wider range of feline unhappiness, from simple boredom to genuine distress, while the Crying Cat is usually more theatrical and deliberately meme-able.
The Origins of a Feline Phenomenon: Tracing the Meme’s Roots
Pinpointing the exact origin of any meme can be tricky, as they often evolve organically across various online platforms. However, the Crying Cat meme’s history can be traced back to a few key individuals and moments.
Smudge the Cat: A Pivotal Figure
A significant catalyst in the meme’s rise was Smudge the Cat, also known as “Woman Yelling at a Cat.” While technically not solely a “crying cat,” Smudge’s perpetually unimpressed and slightly annoyed expression became iconic. In the original meme format, Smudge is seated at a dinner table, looking disdainfully at a woman (from a reality television show) yelling aggressively. The juxtaposition of Smudge’s calm detachment with the woman’s outrage created a hilarious and relatable scenario.
The “I Don’t Like Vegetables” Meme: Solidifying Smudge’s Status
Smudge’s popularity truly exploded when paired with the caption “I don’t like vegetables.” This simple, universally relatable statement perfectly complemented Smudge’s expression, transforming him into a symbol of stubborn refusal and childlike aversion. This particular iteration helped solidify Smudge’s place in internet history and paved the way for the broader Crying Cat meme.
Expanding the Definition: Beyond Smudge
While Smudge the Cat played a crucial role, the Crying Cat meme evolved beyond this single feline. Other cats, often with naturally sad-looking faces or creatively edited images, joined the ranks. These cats, shared across platforms like Reddit, Twitter, and Instagram, further broadened the meme’s appeal and cemented its place in internet culture.
The Appeal of Feline Tears: Why the Meme Resonates
Why is the Crying Cat meme so popular? What makes it so relatable and shareable? The answer lies in a combination of factors:
Relatability and Shared Experiences
The Crying Cat meme taps into the everyday frustrations and anxieties that many people experience. It’s a way to express feelings of disappointment, boredom, or mild despair in a lighthearted and humorous manner. From dealing with work deadlines to navigating social awkwardness, the Crying Cat meme provides a visual shorthand for these shared experiences.
Humor Through Juxtaposition
The inherent humor of the meme stems from the unexpected juxtaposition of a cat, an animal known for its aloofness and independence, displaying seemingly human emotions. This contrast creates a comical effect, making the meme both amusing and endearing.
The Power of Anthropomorphism
Anthropomorphism, the attribution of human traits, emotions, and intentions to non-human entities, is a powerful tool in storytelling and meme culture. By projecting human emotions onto cats, the Crying Cat meme allows us to connect with these animals on a deeper level and find humor in their perceived sadness.
Versatility and Adaptability
The Crying Cat meme is incredibly versatile. It can be adapted to a wide range of situations and emotions. Whether it’s expressing disappointment over a cancelled plan or lamenting a missed opportunity, the Crying Cat meme can be tailored to fit almost any context. This adaptability is key to its longevity.
The Crying Cat Meme in Action: Examples and Variations
The Crying Cat meme has spawned countless variations, each tailored to specific situations and audiences. Here are a few examples:
The “Me at 3 AM Realizing I Have Work Tomorrow” Cat
This variation plays on the anxiety and dread associated with the impending workweek. The crying cat becomes a symbol of the regret and resignation that many people feel late at night.
The “When the Wi-Fi Goes Out” Cat
In the digital age, a reliable internet connection is essential. This variation captures the frustration and helplessness that people feel when their Wi-Fi suddenly cuts out.
The “Trying to Adult” Cat
This variation highlights the struggles of adulthood, from paying bills to managing responsibilities. The crying cat becomes a symbol of the overwhelming feeling of being unprepared for the challenges of adult life.
The “Diet Starts Monday” Cat
This version humorously portrays the relatable struggle of starting a diet, often with a hint of procrastination and the anticipation of future dietary restrictions. The cat embodies the feeling of preemptive sadness for the treats that will soon be off-limits.
The Evolution Continues: New Interpretations and Adaptations
The Crying Cat meme continues to evolve, with new interpretations and adaptations emerging regularly. From combining it with other popular memes to using it to comment on current events, the meme remains a relevant and adaptable form of online expression. The meme has shown surprising longevity and continues to be repurposed in innovative and entertaining ways.
The Enduring Legacy of the Crying Cat
The Crying Cat meme is more than just a fleeting internet trend. It’s a cultural phenomenon that reflects the shared experiences, anxieties, and humor of online communities. Its versatility, relatability, and inherent humor have allowed it to endure for years, solidifying its place in internet history. From Smudge the Cat’s iconic unimpressed expression to the countless variations that have followed, the Crying Cat meme continues to bring laughter and connection to people around the world. While the digital landscape is constantly changing, the Crying Cat meme stands as a testament to the power of shared humor and the enduring appeal of feline expressions.
What exactly is the “Crying Cat” meme?
The “Crying Cat” meme generally refers to images of cats, often Persian cats, with a distinctly distressed or sad facial expression. These images are then typically paired with captions to humorously express relatable human emotions, anxieties, or frustrations in various situations. The cat’s inherent, somewhat exaggerated facial features make it exceptionally suitable for portraying exaggerated disappointment or melodramatic sadness, creating a comical juxtaposition.
The meme’s effectiveness stems from the contrast between the animal’s stoic reputation and the dramatic emotion it conveys. This unexpected display allows users to project their own feelings onto the cat, fostering a sense of connection and shared experience. The meme’s versatility has made it a popular shorthand for expressing a wide range of emotions online, from mild annoyance to profound despair, always with a touch of humor.
Where did the “Crying Cat” meme originate?
The origins of the “Crying Cat” meme can be traced back to a specific Persian cat named Smudge, owned by Miranda Stillabower. A photo of Smudge sitting at a dinner table, looking unimpressed by a plate of vegetables, was posted to Tumblr in 2018. This image, initially shared without the “crying” connotation, laid the groundwork for the meme’s eventual evolution.
The crucial turning point came when the image was combined with a screenshot from a popular television show, “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.” This screenshot featured a cast member pointing angrily while another looked upset. When Smudge’s image was placed beside this screenshot with the caption “She’s yelling at me,” the meme was born. This combination perfectly captured the feeling of being unfairly targeted or judged, resonating with countless internet users and rapidly spreading across various platforms.
Why is the “Crying Cat” meme so popular?
The “Crying Cat” meme’s popularity lies in its ability to universally represent relatable human emotions with a humorous twist. The cat’s perpetually sad or disappointed expression is easily adaptable to countless scenarios, allowing users to express their own feelings in a lighthearted and engaging way. This adaptability makes it a versatile tool for online communication, perfect for everything from sharing everyday frustrations to commenting on broader cultural trends.
Furthermore, the meme’s simplicity and accessibility contribute to its widespread appeal. It requires minimal effort to understand and share, making it easily digestible for a broad audience. The visual nature of the meme also transcends language barriers, allowing it to resonate with users from different cultural backgrounds. The inherent humor in the juxtaposition of a stoic animal expressing human emotions contributes to its enduring popularity.
Are there different variations of the “Crying Cat” meme?
Yes, the “Crying Cat” meme has spawned numerous variations, building upon the original image of Smudge or similar-looking cats. One common variation involves placing the cat’s image in different humorous situations, altering the surrounding context while maintaining the signature distressed expression. This might include photoshopping the cat into famous paintings or placing it in scenes from popular movies.
Another prevalent variation involves modifying the captions associated with the image to reflect a wide range of specific emotions or scenarios. These captions can range from simple relatable complaints, like “when you run out of coffee,” to more elaborate and nuanced commentaries on social issues. The adaptability of the meme allows it to constantly evolve and remain relevant, ensuring its continued presence in online culture.
Is “Crying Cat” the only name for this meme?
While “Crying Cat” is a common name, the meme is also frequently referred to by other names, depending on the specific image or context. “Woman Yelling at a Cat” is another very popular term, referring specifically to the Smudge cat combined with the “Real Housewives” screenshot that initially popularized the meme. Other variations might simply be known by the cat’s name, like “Smudge the Cat.”
Furthermore, some variations may use descriptive names that refer to the specific emotion or scenario depicted. For example, an image of a cat looking particularly disappointed might be referred to as the “Disappointed Cat” meme. The lack of a single, universally accepted name reflects the meme’s organic evolution and the diverse ways in which it has been adapted and used online.
What does the “Crying Cat” meme say about internet culture?
The popularity of the “Crying Cat” meme highlights several key aspects of internet culture. First, it demonstrates the power of relatable content to go viral. The meme’s success stems from its ability to capture and express common human emotions in a humorous and accessible way, fostering a sense of connection among users. This shared experience is a driving force behind the meme’s spread across various online platforms.
Second, the meme underscores the importance of humor and lightheartedness in online communication. In a world often characterized by negativity and conflict, the “Crying Cat” meme offers a welcome dose of levity, allowing users to express themselves without resorting to overly serious or aggressive language. This ability to diffuse tension and promote positive interactions contributes to the meme’s enduring appeal.
Can anyone use the “Crying Cat” meme images? Are there any copyright issues?
Generally, using “Crying Cat” meme images for non-commercial purposes, such as sharing on social media or in personal conversations, is considered fair use and does not typically raise copyright concerns. Memes are often considered transformative works, as they repurpose existing images in new and creative ways for commentary or humor. However, the specifics depend on jurisdiction and how the image is used.
If you intend to use the “Crying Cat” image for commercial purposes, such as advertising or merchandising, it’s crucial to understand the potential copyright implications. You would likely need to obtain permission from the copyright holder of the original image (usually the photographer or owner of the cat) and potentially from the owner of the “Real Housewives” screenshot. Ignoring copyright regulations could lead to legal issues.