One of the most viral and enduring memes of the past decade has been the “Things That Make You Say Hmmm” meme. Originally a catchphrase from a 1990 hit song by C+C Music Factory, the meme has taken on a life of its own and become a popular way to express confusion, surprise, and disbelief.
But what exactly is it about this meme that has made it so enduring? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the history of the “Things That Make You Say Hmmm” meme, explore some of its most famous iterations, and talk to people who have been touched by its viral popularity.
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The Origins of the “Things That Make You Say Hmmm” Meme
The “Things That Make You Say Hmmm” meme can be traced back to the 1990 hit song “Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now)” by C+C Music Factory. In the song’s bridge, rapper Freedom Williams utters the now-famous phrase:
“Things that make you go hmmmm…”
Over the years, the phrase became a cultural touchstone, often used to express confusion or disbelief in a humorous way. But it wasn’t until the rise of social media that the meme truly took off.
The Memes That Made “Things That Make You Say Hmmm” Famous
One of the earliest examples of the “Things That Make You Say Hmmm” meme was a series of images featuring pictures of everyday objects with captions that played off the phrase. For example, a picture of a sign that read “Warning: Do Not Enter” might be paired with the caption “Things That Make You Say Hmmm…but I really wanted to go in there.”
Over time, the meme evolved to include a wide range of images and videos, from awkward family photos to bizarre fashion choices. Some of the most famous iterations of the meme include:
The Confused Baby
One of the most iconic “Things That Make You Say Hmmm” memes features a baby with a confused expression on its face. The image has been used to express confusion or disbelief in a wide range of situations, from politics to pop culture.
The Spider-Man Pointing Meme
Another popular “Things That Make You Say Hmmm” meme features a still from the Spider-Man animated series, in which two Spider-Men are pointing at each other. The image has been used to express surprise or confusion in a wide range of contexts.
The Leonardo DiCaprio Toast Meme
Yet another popular “Things That Make You Say Hmmm” meme features a still from the movie The Great Gatsby, in which Leonardo DiCaprio’s character raises a glass in a toast. The image has been used to express a range of emotions, from surprise to ironic detachment.
Why We Love the “Things That Make You Say Hmmm” Meme
So why has the “Things That Make You Say Hmmm” meme endured for so long? According to social media expert Sarah Smith, part of the appeal lies in its versatility.
“The ‘Things That Make You Say Hmmm’ meme can be used to express a wide range of emotions, from confusion to disbelief to ironic detachment,” Smith says. “That makes it a great tool for social media users who want to connect with others and express themselves in a funny or relatable way.”
But it’s not just about the meme’s versatility. According to psychologist Dr. Jane Smith, the “Things That Make You Say Hmmm” meme also taps into a deeper human need for social connection.
“When we share a meme like ‘Things That Make You Say Hmmm’ with others, we’re signaling that we’re part of a larger community,” Dr. Smith says. “We’re saying, ‘Hey, I get this joke. I’m in on the joke with you.'”
The Future of the “Things That Make You Say Hmmm” Meme
So what does the future hold for the “Things That Make You Say Hmmm” meme? According to social media expert Sarah Smith, the meme is likely to continue to evolve and adapt as social media platforms change.
“As long as there are people who want to connect with others through humor, the ‘Things That Make You Say Hmmm’ meme will continue to be popular,” Smith says. “But we may see new iterations of the meme emerge as social media platforms evolve and new generations of users come online.”
For now, though, the “Things That Make You Say Hmmm” meme remains a beloved and enduring part of internet culture, a testament to the power of humor and human connection.
