It’s hard to believe that 2022 has already come and gone, but what a year it was for memes! From political scandals to viral dance challenges, there was no shortage of content to keep us laughing, cringing, and sharing with our friends. As we prepare to say goodbye to another year, let’s take a look back at the top ten memes that captured the internet’s attention in 2022.
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1. “Let’s Go, Brandon”
One of the most controversial memes of the year, “Let’s Go, Brandon” quickly became a rallying cry for supporters of former President Trump. The phrase originated from a NASCAR interview where the crowd could be heard chanting “F*** Joe Biden,” but the reporter tried to downplay it by saying they were saying “Let’s Go, Brandon.” The meme quickly spread across social media, with people using it as a way to express their frustration with the current administration. Response: “I thought it was funny at first, but then it started to feel like a way to avoid saying something more explicit. It’s like people are trying to be edgy without actually taking a stand on anything.” – Sarah, 28
2. “Squid Game”
The Netflix series “Squid Game” took the world by storm in 2022, and it didn’t take long for memes to start popping up online. From the iconic red jumpsuits to the creepy doll that haunted our nightmares, there was no shortage of material for meme-makers to work with. Response: “I loved ‘Squid Game,’ so seeing all the memes was just an added bonus. It was fun to see how creative people could get with it.” – Michael, 35
3. “Ratatouille: The TikTok Musical”
In a year where live theater was still largely shut down, TikTok users came together to create a full-scale musical based on the Disney movie “Ratatouille.” The production featured original songs, choreography, and even puppetry, and it quickly became a viral sensation. Response: “I didn’t even know what ‘Ratatouille’ was before this, but now I’m obsessed. The fact that people were able to create something so amazing just from TikTok is mind-blowing.” – Emma, 23
4. “This Is Why I’m Broke”
The “This Is Why I’m Broke” meme took a popular TikTok sound and turned it into a way to showcase all the ridiculous things we spend our money on. From luxury home goods to weird gadgets, people shared their most outrageous purchases with the world. Response: “I have to admit, I’ve definitely spent way too much money on things I don’t really need. It was comforting to know that I’m not alone in that.” – Tom, 31
5. “Among Us”
The popular online game “Among Us” continued to inspire memes in 2022, with players joking about everything from the game’s glitches to the hilarious ways they’ve been caught as imposters. Response: “I don’t even play ‘Among Us,’ but I still found the memes hilarious. It’s like a whole subculture that I never knew existed.” – Grace, 26
6. “Crypto Bros”
With cryptocurrency continuing to dominate the news cycle, it’s no surprise that memes about “crypto bros” started popping up everywhere. From Elon Musk to the Winklevoss twins, people poked fun at the eccentric personalities involved in the world of crypto. Response: “As someone who’s been invested in cryptocurrency for a while, it was funny to see how people outside the community perceived us. I think the memes helped make it more approachable for people who might not understand it.” – Alex, 29
7. “The Karen Haircut”
The infamous “Karen” haircut (short in the back, long in the front) has been around for a while, but it gained new life in 2022 as people joked about the various celebrities who seemed to be sporting the look. Response: “I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone actually get that haircut in real life, but it’s still hilarious to see people making fun of it.” – Rachel, 27
8. “The Milk Crate Challenge”
The Milk Crate Challenge took over social media in 2022, with people attempting to climb a pyramid of milk crates without falling. The results were often hilarious (and occasionally painful), making for some prime meme material. Response: “I was honestly scared for some of the people attempting that challenge. But it was still funny to see the wipeouts.” – Ben, 24
9. “The Jerusalema Dance Challenge”
The Jerusalema Dance Challenge was a bright spot in an otherwise difficult year, as people around the world came together to dance to the infectious South African song. The challenge quickly went viral, with people from all walks of life sharing their own versions of the dance. Response: “I loved seeing all the different takes on the Jerusalema dance. It was a nice reminder that we can still find joy and connection even when we’re apart.” – Lisa, 42
10. “The Bernie Meme”
Finally, we can’t forget about the Bernie meme. The Vermont senator’s mittens and practical coat made him an instant internet sensation during the 2021 presidential inauguration, and he continued to pop up in memes throughout 2022. Response: “I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of seeing Bernie in different settings. It’s like he’s become a meme mascot for the internet.” – Jack, 30 Whether you loved them or hated them, there’s no denying that memes were a big part of 2022. As we head into a new year, we can only imagine what kind of viral content will capture our attention next.
