Screaming Memes: Origins, Gifs & The Viral Internet Craze
Ever found yourself inexplicably drawn to a GIF, a short video, or a single image that perfectly encapsulates a feeling, a reaction, or a shared human experience? The internet, a vast and ever-evolving landscape, has gifted us with a unique form of communication: the meme, and within the realm of memes, the "screaming" meme stands out as a particularly potent form of expression.
The origins of these "screaming" memes are as diverse as the emotions they convey. From the unsettling sounds of the "Scary Maze Game" to the raw, unfiltered emotion of a woman letting it all out, these moments have become iconic. One of the earliest examples is the woman yelling at a cat meme, which originated from a Twitter post by @missingegirl on May 1, 2019. This simple act of a woman appearing to berate a cat, visually paired with a seated cat's expression of apparent bewilderment, resonated deeply. It became a perfect vessel for conveying frustration, confusion, and the absurdity of everyday life. The success of this meme paved the way for many others to follow, capitalizing on the shared human experiences.
In the digital realm, the "screaming" meme has become a versatile tool. It's found its place in our conversations, social media feeds, and group chats, and has been used to express a wide range of emotions. Whether you are reacting to a news story, expressing your feelings after the outcome of your favourite sports team or simply responding to the latest viral video, the perfect screaming meme is always available.
Let's explore some of the most prominent "screaming" memes and the context in which they flourished, and how they have changed our digital interactions:
The woman, initially known as "ficki fiona," became a subject of online attention on June 2nd, 2016. Screencaps of the woman were initially introduced to the /r/the_donald subreddit, and the following day, a thread about her appeared on 4chan's /pol/ board, where users quickly nicknamed her "ficki fiona." While the meme's origins were rooted in these online communities, it later evolved to become a more general symbol of shock and disbelief.
The "Scary Maze Game" is a classic example of a jump-scare video game that utilizes a screaming sound effect. The sheer, unexpected nature of the scare resulted in its use as a reaction meme. It highlights how a specific auditory experience can be repurposed for online humour.
The "Woman yelling at a cat" meme provides a masterclass in meme construction. The image on the left, often taken from a scene from "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills," featuring Taylor Armstrong crying and pointing (held back by Kyle Richards), juxtaposed with the image of a cat, provides a visual representation of the emotional response.
The screaming girl meme refers to a viral video that exploded in popularity in March 2018. The girl in the video is @quenblackwell on Instagram and Twitter. This video inspired the "me explaining to my mom" meme, a testament to how the expressions in online videos easily transfer into everyday human interactions.
Another example of the screaming meme is the woman screaming after saying "let it out." This meme originated from a video of a visibly upset woman speaking to the camera. After urging the viewer to "let it out," she lets out a scream. The video then took hold, and the woman's outburst became a way to express shared frustration or emotional release. Some suggested this could be related to the 2022 Supreme Court decision regarding abortion rights (Roe v. Wade), although this remained unconfirmed.
The versatility of these memes extends beyond simple emotional expression. With meme generators, anyone can create custom memes, add text to any image, and share their creations. Platforms like Tenor offer a vast library of animated GIFs, enabling users to incorporate popular "screaming" memes into their conversations with ease. The "perfect girl screaming cry meme" or "screaming crying animated GIFs" are easily accessible, making it easy to incorporate them into digital interactions.
In 2017, typing "inauguration" into a web browser might have led you to an image of Jess screaming "noooo!" Jess, who was unaware that they were being filmed, unintentionally created a memorable meme. This instance highlights how candid moments can transform into online sensations, offering a unique perspective on how these memes go from the personal to the public.
On or around March 6, 2020, Amanda Chiarelli (@amanda.paige17 on TikTok, @amandaaa.chiarelliii on Instagram) posted a video showing her friend Angela Lomastro screaming from the passenger seat of a car, expressing her desire to go to Wingstop. This example showcases the spontaneous nature of the origin of the memes.
The prevalence of "screaming" memes in our online lives reveals a lot about how we interact with each other, and our environment. They are not just fleeting trends; they are an insight into how we express ourselves in the digital age. The widespread use of these memes demonstrates that the internet is not just a platform for information; it is a space where we can connect through emotions, share in shared experiences, and make each other laugh.
The "screaming" meme is a modern symbol of the internet. They enable us to express our emotions, connect with each other, and find comfort in a shared experience. They reflect the times in which we live and the way we interact online.
Here's a table summarizing some key figures and related information, formatted for easy insertion into a WordPress post, with reference to an authentic website:
| Meme Subject | Description | Origin | Associated Platforms | Emotional Context |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ficki Fiona | Screencaps of a woman. | /r/the_donald (June 2, 2016), 4chan's /pol/ (June 3, 2016) | Reddit, 4chan, general internet | Shock, disbelief, frustration |
| Scary Maze Game | Screaming sound effect from a jump-scare game. | Early 2000s (game), meme adaptation | YouTube, general internet | Surprise, fear |
| Woman Yelling at Cat | Image of a woman yelling juxtaposed with a confused cat. | Twitter user @missingegirl (May 1, 2019), based on a scene from "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" | Twitter, general internet | Confusion, frustration, perceived absurdity |
| Girl Screaming | Viral video of a girl screaming. | @quenblackwell (Instagram & Twitter) March 2018 | Twitter, Instagram, YouTube | Exaggerated emotion, frustration |
| Woman Screaming "Let It Out" | Video of a woman crying and screaming. | Unconfirmed origins, possibly related to social/political events | Various social media platforms | Emotional release, expressing frustration |
| Jess Screaming "Noooo!" | Image of a person screaming. | Circa 2017, captured during an event | General internet | Exaggerated emotion, frustration |
| Angela Lomastro Wingstop Scream | Video of a woman screaming about wanting Wingstop. | Amanda Chiarelli (@amanda.paige17 on TikTok, @amandaaa.chiarelliii on Instagram) around March 6, 2020 | TikTok, Instagram | Excitement, desire, shared experiences |
For more information on meme culture and origins, you can visit:
Know Your Meme
