What Is the "What Did He Say" Meme?
"What Did He Say?" is a viral meme format that originated as an audio clip on TikTok. The sound is typically used in videos where someone hears something surprising, shocking, or confusing, prompting a reaction of disbelief or challenge. The meme is popular for its versatility, allowing creators to overlay the sound with various scenarios where a character or person is stunned or needs clarification about what was just said
Origin
The meme started on June 27, 2021, when the TikTok account meme_spots posted a video requested by another user named 'i_hit_children_hard.' The video gained traction, accumulating over 13,700 likes in seven months. This led to the creation of a dedicated sound page, with more than 880 videos using the audio within the same timeframe
How the Meme Is Used
- The format usually involves a setup where a statement is made (often shown as text on screen).
- The subject then reacts with a facial expression or gesture that signals disbelief, confusion, or a challenge-often followed by the phrase "What did he say?"
- The meme is used in a variety of contexts, from sports references to pop culture moments, and is frequently repurposed for comedic or relatable content.
Examples
- A TikTok where a user reacts to an unexpected sports result or celebrity news.
- Clips where someone appears to mishear or be shocked by a statement, followed by the audio "What did he say?"
Meme Generator and Customization
The "What Did He Say?" meme can also be customized using online meme generators, allowing users to add their own text or images to the template for further personalization and sharing across social media platforms
Summary Table
Aspect| Details
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Origin| TikTok, June 2021, by meme_spots
Typical Use| Reaction to surprising, confusing, or bold statements
Popularity| 880+ videos using the sound in the first seven months
Customization| Widely available on meme generators for personalized variations
The "What Did He Say?" meme remains a popular and flexible way to express disbelief or comedic confusion online
