It’s hard to believe that it’s already been almost a decade since the release of Monsters Inc. Yet, some things never truly die in the world of memes. One such meme is the infamous “big lips” meme, which features a screenshot from the beloved Pixar film. In this article, we’ll take a trip down memory lane and explore the origins, impact, and legacy of this meme.
Table of Contents
The Origins of the Big Lips Meme
To understand the big lips meme, we first need to revisit the scene from which it originated. In the movie, Sulley and Mike are trying to sneak Boo back into her room without being detected by the Child Detection Agency (CDA). At one point, Sulley accidentally slams the door on Mike’s fingers, causing him to yell out in pain. This draws the attention of a nearby CDA agent, who peeks her head over the door and catches a glimpse of Sulley’s face.
It’s at this moment that the screenshot is taken, capturing Sulley with his lips puckered up in an exaggerated expression of surprise. The image was first shared on Tumblr in 2013, where it quickly gained popularity among users. It wasn’t long before the meme had spread to other social media platforms and had become a staple in the online meme community.
The Impact of the Big Lips Meme
The big lips meme quickly became a sensation, with users creating countless variations and adaptations of the original image. Some of the most popular versions included adding text captions, photoshopping Sulley into other scenes or contexts, and creating animated gifs. The meme was particularly popular on Twitter, where it was often used to express shock, surprise, or excitement.
One of the reasons why the big lips meme was so successful is that it was relatable to a wide audience. Everyone has experienced moments of surprise or shock, and the exaggerated expression on Sulley’s face captured that feeling perfectly. Additionally, the meme was easy to use and adapt, making it accessible to users with different levels of technical skills.
The Legacy of the Big Lips Meme
Although the big lips meme has faded from the forefront of meme culture, it still has a dedicated following of fans who continue to create and share new versions of the image. Some users have even created merchandise featuring the meme, such as t-shirts, phone cases, and stickers. The meme has also inspired other similar memes, such as the “Surprised Pikachu” meme, which features a similar expression of shock and surprise.
Responses and comments from people who know it:
“I remember when the big lips meme first started circulating on Tumblr. It was hilarious to see how creative people were with their adaptations of the image. I still see it pop up on my Twitter feed from time to time, and it always makes me smile.” – Sarah, 27
“The big lips meme was one of my favorites from the early days of the internet. It was so easy to use, and the expression on Sulley’s face was priceless. I even made a custom t-shirt with the meme on it, which I still wear to this day.” – Michael, 31
“I never really got into the big lips meme myself, but I can appreciate its impact on meme culture. It’s impressive how a single screenshot from a movie can inspire so much creativity and humor.” – David, 24
Conclusion
The big lips meme from Monsters Inc may have had its heyday in the early 2010s, but its impact on meme culture is undeniable. From its origins on Tumblr to its widespread popularity on social media, the meme captured the essence of surprise and shock in a way that resonated with millions of users. As we look back on the meme in 2023, we can appreciate its legacy as a beloved meme that brought joy and laughter to so many people.
