SOCIETY
The blue Grinch knee surgery meme explained: meaning and origins
The meme’s humor lies in its highly specific focus on pre-surgery jittersm inviting the subject to intereact with its strange specificity.
The “Blue Grinch Knee Surgery” meme, also known as “That Feeling When Knee Surgery Is Tomorrow,” has taken social media by storm, especially Tiktok.
According to knowyourmeme.com, The meme’s journey began in April 2021 when an anonymous user on MemeCreator.org posted an image of an excited squirrel with the caption “That feeling when knee surgery is tomorrow.”
The introduction of the Grinch as the cnetral character associated with the quote has truly propelled its popularity.
Why is it so popular?
Nailing a specific reason for a meme’s popularity in 2024 is impossible. The cycle of new and old jokes swirling around the internet moves at a rapid pace; seven years ago a meme would dominate for a month, now they are barely recognised after a day.
It has been supposed that the popularity comes from its extremely niche topic and appeal to nerves and anxiety. This subversion of typical meme culture, which can have examples appealing to as many people as possible, makes the blue Grinch fascinating.
The focus on knee surgery could invite viewers to transpose the object of the meme with any other item that triggers anxiety. The newest wave of these memes featured a 35-page slideshow with the same picture continuing to be repeated. An ethereal wind instrument plays in the background, creating a truly bizarre but intriguing experience.
So why is it popular? We don’t know, but encourage people to watch it for yourself.