The phrase "What are those?!" is a humorous internet meme used to mockingly call out someone's unattractive or unfashionable footwear. It gained popularity from a viral video where a person loudly and exaggeratedly asks a police officer "What are those?!" while pointing at their shoes, emphasizing the phrase with a drawn-out "thooooose"
. The meme originated around 2015 when Brandon Moore shouted the phrase in a viral video, which then spread widely on platforms like TikTok and YouTube
. Although the phrase itself is not new and has been used in various contexts (including a 1995 episode of Seinfeld and the 1997 movie Hercules), the viral video popularized the exaggerated delivery and comedic usage that defines the meme today
. In summary, "What are those?!" is a meme phrase used to humorously call attention to someone's questionable shoe choice, often delivered with an exaggerated tone for comedic effect.
