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In 2016, a meme featuring actor Owen Wilson saying “Wow” went viral on the internet. It quickly became a sensation and spread like wildfire across social media platforms, spawning a plethora of variations and spin-offs. Seven years later, we take a look back at the phenomenon of Owen Wilson memes and how they continue to captivate and entertain internet users to this day.

The Origins of the ‘Wow’ Meme

The ‘Wow’ meme originated from a scene in the 2006 comedy film “Wedding Crashers,” in which Owen Wilson’s character, John Beckwith, responds with an exaggerated “Wow” after seeing a woman who catches his eye. The scene itself is not particularly remarkable, but the way Wilson delivers the line with his trademark drawl and inflection made it ripe for memefication.

The first known instance of the ‘Wow’ meme was in a YouTube video posted in 2010, but it wasn’t until 2016 that it really took off. Twitter user @playboicarti tweeted a video of Wilson saying “Wow” on loop with the caption “how i feel when i wake up and see i have 100 missed calls and 143 unread messages.” The tweet went viral, and the ‘Wow’ meme was born.

The Many Variations of the ‘Wow’ Meme

One of the reasons the ‘Wow’ meme has endured for so long is its versatility. It can be used to express genuine surprise or amazement, as well as sarcasm, irony, or even indifference. Its simplicity also makes it easy to remix and repurpose in different contexts.

Some popular variations of the ‘Wow’ meme include:

• A GIF of Wilson’s character from the movie “Zoolander” saying “Wow” while looking at his reflection in a puddle
• A GIF of Wilson’s character from the movie “Armageddon” saying “Wow” while looking at a space shuttle launch
• A GIF of Wilson’s character from the movie “Midnight in Paris” saying “Wow” while looking at the Eiffel Tower

The Legacy of the ‘Wow’ Meme

While many memes come and go, the ‘Wow’ meme has proven to have staying power. It has been used in countless internet conversations, from casual social media banter to serious political debates. It has also inspired countless spin-offs and parodies, and has even been incorporated into mainstream media.

In 2019, Wilson himself acknowledged the meme’s popularity during an appearance on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show.” When asked about it, he simply responded, “Yeah, I’ve heard about that.”

Responses from Fans

Here are some responses from fans of the ‘Wow’ meme:

“The ‘Wow’ meme is a classic. It never gets old, and it always makes me laugh.” – @memelover69

“I love how the ‘Wow’ meme can mean so many different things depending on the context. It’s like a Swiss Army knife of memes.” – @memeaficionado

“I think the ‘Wow’ meme is a testament to the enduring appeal of Owen Wilson. He’s just a likable guy.” – @wilsonfanatic

Conclusion

In conclusion, the ‘Wow’ meme has become an iconic part of internet culture, and its legacy shows no signs of slowing down. Whether you use it to express genuine surprise, sarcastic disbelief, or just for the fun of it, the ‘Wow’ meme is a timeless classic that will continue to make us smile for years to come.