{"id":21782,"date":"2014-07-31T23:01:14","date_gmt":"2014-07-31T15:01:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hongkiat.com\/blog\/?p=21782"},"modified":"2023-09-01T21:11:37","modified_gmt":"2023-09-01T13:11:37","slug":"stories-behind-memes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hongkiat.com\/blog\/stories-behind-memes\/","title":{"rendered":"Unveiling the Real-Life Stories of 10 Iconic Internet Memes"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Ever wondered how memes come to life? A friend of mine enjoys transforming his friends\u2019 candid photos into memes. He sifts through their Facebook albums, picks the most awkward faces, adds some text, and voila! A meme is born.<\/p>\n<p>However, not all memes achieve viral status. While <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hongkiat.com\/blog\/mobile-apps-for-memes\/\">creating memes is simple<\/a>, their success depends on how relatable they are. Many memes feature <strong>real people with real stories<\/strong>, which often differ from their meme personas.<\/p>\n<p>Curious about the real identities of Overly Attached Girlfriend, Ridiculously Photogenic Guy, or Sheltering Suburban Mom? This blog post reveals the <strong>true stories behind 10 popular memes you\u2019ve come to love.<\/strong><\/p>\n<div class=\"ref-block ref-block--post\" id=\"ref-post-1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.hongkiat.com\/blog\/viral-stories-actually-hoaxes\/\" class=\"ref-block__link\" title=\"Read More: 10 Viral Stories That Turned Out to Be Hoaxes\" rel=\"bookmark\"><span class=\"screen-reader-text\">10 Viral Stories That Turned Out to Be Hoaxes<\/span><\/a>\n<div class=\"ref-block__thumbnail img-thumb img-thumb--jumbo\" data-img='{ \"src\" : \"https:\/\/assets.hongkiat.com\/uploads\/thumbs\/250x160\/viral-stories-actually-hoaxes.jpg\" }'>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<noscript>\n<style>.no-js #ref-block-post-21608 .ref-block__thumbnail { background-image: url(\"https:\/\/assets.hongkiat.com\/uploads\/thumbs\/250x160\/viral-stories-actually-hoaxes.jpg\"); }<\/style>\n<\/noscript>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<div class=\"ref-block__summary\">\n<h4 class=\"ref-title\">10 Viral Stories That Turned Out to Be Hoaxes<\/h4>\n<p class=\"ref-description\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t2013 was deemed as the year of Internet hoaxes \u2013 in fact, you might have fallen for a...\t\t\t\t\t\t<span>Read more<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h3>The Real Story of Scumbag Steve<\/h3>\n<p>Ever wondered why Scumbag Steve is so universally disliked? The photo, initially posted on Reddit, seems to naturally attract disdain. Whether it\u2019s the hat or the fur coat, the image is often paired with text describing <strong>objectionable behavior.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/knowyourmeme.com\/editorials\/interviews\/qa-with-blake-boston-scumbag-steve\">The original photo<\/a> was taken by his mother during his time with the rap group Beantown Mafia. It first appeared on his Myspace account in 2006.<\/p>\n<figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.hongkiat.com\/uploads\/stories-behind-memes\/scumbagsteve.jpg\" alt=\"Scumbag Steve Meme\" height=\"504\" width=\"500\"><\/figure>\n<p>When the meme gained traction, Blake Boston initially <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bostonglobe.com\/metro\/2012\/11\/24\/the-internet-favorite-punching-bag\/ijnRiZeT502KmClwC8orDO\/story.html\">reacted negatively<\/a>, reinforcing the scumbag persona. Eventually, he embraced the meme and even incorporated it into his rap videos on YouTube. Today, he is a <strong>devoted father<\/strong> and a <strong>professional chef<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.hongkiat.com\/uploads\/stories-behind-memes\/blakeboston.jpg\" alt=\"Blake Boston Today\" height=\"500\" width=\"500\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"sue-icon-text su-image-caption\" data-url=\"\" data-target=\"self\" style=\"min-height:34px;padding-left:36px;color:#333333\">\n<div class=\"sue-icon-text-icon\" style=\"color:#333333;font-size:24px;width:24px;height:24px\"><i class=\"sui sui-photo\" style=\"font-size:24px;color:#333333\"><\/i><\/div>\n<div class=\"sue-icon-text-content su-u-trim\" style=\"color:#333333\"> <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tumblr.com\/explore\/trending\">Blake Boston<\/a><\/div>\n<div style=\"clear:both;height:0\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h3>The Untold Story of Disaster Girl<\/h3>\n<p>Ever seen that infamous photo of a little girl smirking while a house burns in the background? Her expression has been interpreted as the <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.buzzfeed.com\/scott\/the-amazing-true-story-of-disaster-girl\">cause of many disasters<\/a>. It\u2019s as if she\u2019s saying, \u201cI know something you don\u2019t about this fire.\u201d Quite unsettling, isn\u2019t it?<\/p>\n<figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.hongkiat.com\/uploads\/stories-behind-memes\/disastergirl.jpg\" alt=\"Disaster Girl Meme\" height=\"374\" width=\"500\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"sue-icon-text su-image-caption\" data-url=\"\" data-target=\"self\" style=\"min-height:34px;padding-left:36px;color:#333333\">\n<div class=\"sue-icon-text-icon\" style=\"color:#333333;font-size:24px;width:24px;height:24px\"><i class=\"sui sui-photo\" style=\"font-size:24px;color:#333333\"><\/i><\/div>\n<div class=\"sue-icon-text-content su-u-trim\" style=\"color:#333333\"> jpgmag<\/div>\n<div style=\"clear:both;height:0\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>So, what\u2019s the real story? In 2004, local firefighters conducted a live demo involving a controlled burn of a building. This happened just two blocks away from where David Roth and his daughter Zoe lived. David captured Zoe\u2019s now-iconic grin and later submitted the photo to Zoomr in 2007 and JPG Magazine in 2008. Zoe has since grown up, but her <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/travelingroths\/\">mysterious smile<\/a> remains unforgettable.<\/p>\n<figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.hongkiat.com\/uploads\/stories-behind-memes\/zoeroth.jpg\" alt=\"Zoe Roth Today\" height=\"498\" width=\"500\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"sue-icon-text su-image-caption\" data-url=\"\" data-target=\"self\" style=\"min-height:34px;padding-left:36px;color:#333333\">\n<div class=\"sue-icon-text-icon\" style=\"color:#333333;font-size:24px;width:24px;height:24px\"><i class=\"sui sui-photo\" style=\"font-size:24px;color:#333333\"><\/i><\/div>\n<div class=\"sue-icon-text-content su-u-trim\" style=\"color:#333333\"> <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/travelingroths\/14594220186\/\">TravellingRoths<\/a><\/div>\n<div style=\"clear:both;height:0\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h3>The Origin of Doge<\/h3>\n<p>\u201cDoge\u201d is internet slang for dog, specifically referring to the Shiba Inu breed. This meme features the adorable dog with a <strong>series of thoughts in colorful Comic Sans font<\/strong>, often with intentionally poor grammar. It\u2019s a meme that makes you say, \u201cSuch wow.\u201d<\/p>\n<figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.hongkiat.com\/uploads\/stories-behind-memes\/doge.jpg\" alt=\"Doge Meme\" height=\"371\" width=\"500\"><\/figure>\n<p>The Shiba Inu in the meme, named Kabosu, was at risk of <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.theverge.com\/2013\/12\/31\/5248762\/doge-meme-rescue-dog-wow\">being euthanized<\/a> before being rescued by Japanese kindergarten teacher Atsuko Sato. The photo was posted on <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/kabosu112.exblog.jp\/9944144\/\">Sato\u2019s blog<\/a>, capturing the hearts of internet users worldwide.<\/p>\n<figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.hongkiat.com\/uploads\/stories-behind-memes\/kabosu.jpg\" alt=\"Kabosu the Shiba Inu\" height=\"335\" width=\"500\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"sue-icon-text su-image-caption\" data-url=\"\" data-target=\"self\" style=\"min-height:34px;padding-left:36px;color:#333333\">\n<div class=\"sue-icon-text-icon\" style=\"color:#333333;font-size:24px;width:24px;height:24px\"><i class=\"sui sui-photo\" style=\"font-size:24px;color:#333333\"><\/i><\/div>\n<div class=\"sue-icon-text-content su-u-trim\" style=\"color:#333333\"> <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.theverge.com\/2013\/12\/31\/5248762\/doge-meme-rescue-dog-wow\">The Verge<\/a><\/div>\n<div style=\"clear:both;height:0\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h3>The Real-Life Story of Bad Luck Brian<\/h3>\n<p>Bad Luck Brian is the epitome of misfortune. Picture the worst-case scenario for any situation, and that\u2019s just another day for him. His outfit and braces haven\u2019t helped his luck, making him the go-to meme for life\u2019s unfortunate moments.<\/p>\n<figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.hongkiat.com\/uploads\/stories-behind-memes\/badluckbrian.jpg\" alt=\"Bad Luck Brian Meme\" height=\"579\" width=\"500\"><\/figure>\n<p>Contrary to the meme, his real name is Kyle, not Brian. He tried to reveal his identity in a Reddit AMA, but it was <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.reddit.com\/r\/IAmA\/comments\/s5guk\/iam_bad_luck_brian_ama\/c4b8m3u\/\">removed<\/a>. The photo was actually a school picture that was retaken because he was \u201cpulling a face.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Today, Kyle is doing well and even <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/user\/solidbadluck\">makes YouTube videos<\/a>, fully embracing his Bad Luck Brian persona.<\/p>\n<figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.hongkiat.com\/uploads\/stories-behind-memes\/kyle.jpg\" alt=\"Kyle Today\" height=\"888\" width=\"500\"><\/figure>\n<h3>The Truth About Overly Attached Girlfriend<\/h3>\n<p>Overly Attached Girlfriend is the meme you use when your significant other\u2019s actions are borderline creepy. Her eyes alone make Fatal Attraction seem like child\u2019s play.<\/p>\n<figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.hongkiat.com\/uploads\/stories-behind-memes\/overlyattachedgirlfriend.jpg\" alt=\"Overly Attached Girlfriend Meme\" height=\"465\" width=\"500\"><\/figure>\n<p>In reality, Laina Morris is far from scary. The meme originated from a <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=Yh0AhrY9GjA\">parody video<\/a> she made of Justin Bieber\u2019s \u201cBoyfriend.\u201d She continues to make YouTube videos and even met TV host Jimmy Kimmel.<\/p>\n<figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.hongkiat.com\/uploads\/stories-behind-memes\/lainamorris.jpg\" alt=\"Laina Morris Today\" height=\"500\" width=\"500\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"sue-icon-text su-image-caption\" data-url=\"\" data-target=\"self\" style=\"min-height:34px;padding-left:36px;color:#333333\">\n<div class=\"sue-icon-text-icon\" style=\"color:#333333;font-size:24px;width:24px;height:24px\"><i class=\"sui sui-photo\" style=\"font-size:24px;color:#333333\"><\/i><\/div>\n<div class=\"sue-icon-text-content su-u-trim\" style=\"color:#333333\"> <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/laina622\/status\/384724295827468288\/photo\/1\">Laina<\/a><\/div>\n<div style=\"clear:both;height:0\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h3>The Rise of Success Kid<\/h3>\n<p>Success Kid is the antithesis of Bad Luck Brian. This meme is all about celebrating victories, big or small. Just look at that triumphant face and clenched fist!<\/p>\n<figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.hongkiat.com\/uploads\/stories-behind-memes\/successkid.jpg\" alt=\"Success Kid Meme\" height=\"503\" width=\"500\"><\/figure>\n<p>Originally captioned \u201cI Hate Sandcastles,\u201d the meme evolved in 2011 when a Redditor gave it a new background. Today, the image is used in ads and billboards, including those by Vitamin Water and <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.newrisingmedia.com\/blog\/2012\/2\/14\/virgin-media-using-success-kid-meme-for-marketing.html\">Virgin Media<\/a>.<\/p>\n<figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.hongkiat.com\/uploads\/stories-behind-memes\/sammygriner.jpg\" alt=\"Sammy Griner Today\" height=\"500\" width=\"500\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"sue-icon-text su-image-caption\" data-url=\"\" data-target=\"self\" style=\"min-height:34px;padding-left:36px;color:#333333\">\n<div class=\"sue-icon-text-icon\" style=\"color:#333333;font-size:24px;width:24px;height:24px\"><i class=\"sui sui-photo\" style=\"font-size:24px;color:#333333\"><\/i><\/div>\n<div class=\"sue-icon-text-content su-u-trim\" style=\"color:#333333\"> <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/laneymg\/status\/377053313113391105\/photo\/1\">Laney Griner<\/a><\/div>\n<div style=\"clear:both;height:0\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h3>The Journey from College Freshman to Senior<\/h3>\n<p>College Freshman is the meme that encapsulates the naive enthusiasm of first-year college students. You know, the ones who buy every textbook because it was \u201crecommended.\u201d Eventually, they all morph into <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/knowyourmeme.com\/memes\/lazy-college-senior\">Lazy College Seniors<\/a>.<\/p>\n<figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.hongkiat.com\/uploads\/stories-behind-memes\/collegefreshman.jpg\" alt=\"College Freshman Meme\" height=\"400\" width=\"500\"><\/figure>\n<p>The meme features Griffin Kiritsy, who posed for this photo five years ago for Reader\u2019s Digest. Initially uncomfortable with his meme fame, he later embraced it, even posing for a \u201cSuccessful College Senior\u201d meme.<\/p>\n<figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.hongkiat.com\/uploads\/stories-behind-memes\/collegesenior.jpg\" alt=\"Successful College Senior Meme\" height=\"336\" width=\"500\"><\/figure>\n<h3>The Reality Behind Sheltering Suburban Mom<\/h3>\n<p>Sheltering Suburban Mom is the meme for the parent who preaches one thing and practices another. She\u2019s the mom who forbids you from drinking but stocks up on vodka for the holidays.<\/p>\n<figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.hongkiat.com\/uploads\/stories-behind-memes\/shelteringmom.jpg\" alt=\"Sheltering Suburban Mom Meme\" height=\"589\" width=\"500\"><\/figure>\n<p>In reality, Carly Philips is a successful romance novelist and a mother of two. Initially upset about the meme, she later understood it was all in good fun. She\u2019s actually <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dailydot.com\/society\/sheltering-suburban-mom-carly-phillips-interview\/\">much cooler<\/a> than her meme persona.<\/p>\n<figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.hongkiat.com\/uploads\/stories-behind-memes\/carlyphilips.jpg\" alt=\"Carly Philips Today\" height=\"333\" width=\"500\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"sue-icon-text su-image-caption\" data-url=\"\" data-target=\"self\" style=\"min-height:34px;padding-left:36px;color:#333333\">\n<div class=\"sue-icon-text-icon\" style=\"color:#333333;font-size:24px;width:24px;height:24px\"><i class=\"sui sui-photo\" style=\"font-size:24px;color:#333333\"><\/i><\/div>\n<div class=\"sue-icon-text-content su-u-trim\" style=\"color:#333333\"> <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.theromancedish.com\/2013\/07\/authors-and-readers-and-booksoh-my.html\">The Romance Dish<\/a><\/div>\n<div style=\"clear:both;height:0\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h3>McKayla Maroney: Not Impressed to Impressed<\/h3>\n<p>US gymnast McKayla Maroney became a meme after her \u201cnot impressed\u201d expression was captured during the 2012 Olympics. She had to settle for a Silver medal after a fall during her routine.<\/p>\n<figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.hongkiat.com\/uploads\/stories-behind-memes\/mckaylanotimpressed.jpg\" alt=\"McKayla Not Impressed Meme\" height=\"340\" width=\"500\"><\/figure>\n<p>McKayla embraced the meme and even met President Obama, both sporting her famous \u201cnot impressed\u201d face.<\/p>\n<figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.hongkiat.com\/uploads\/stories-behind-memes\/mckaylanobama.jpg\" alt=\"McKayla with Obama\" height=\"312\" width=\"500\"><\/figure>\n<h3>The Charm of Ridiculously Photogenic Guy<\/h3>\n<p>Ridiculously Photogenic Guy became a sensation for looking incredibly good while running a marathon. The photo was taken by Will King during the 2012 Cooper River Bridge Run.<\/p>\n<figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.hongkiat.com\/uploads\/stories-behind-memes\/rpgoriginalpic.jpg\" alt=\"Original Ridiculously Photogenic Guy\" height=\"332\" width=\"500\"><\/figure>\n<p>The photo went viral, and Zeddie Little, the man in the photo, was identified. Despite being in a committed relationship, Zeddie has captured the hearts of many.<\/p>\n<figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.hongkiat.com\/uploads\/stories-behind-memes\/ridiculouslyphotogenicguy.jpg\" alt=\"Zeddie Little Today\" height=\"622\" width=\"500\"><\/figure>\n<p>Zeddie appeared on Good Morning America and revealed that the photo was taken after he waved at a friend. He\u2019s flattered by all the attention.<\/p>\n<figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.hongkiat.com\/uploads\/stories-behind-memes\/zeddielittle.jpg\" alt=\"Zeddie Little on Good Morning America\" height=\"281\" width=\"500\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"sue-icon-text su-image-caption\" data-url=\"\" data-target=\"self\" style=\"min-height:34px;padding-left:36px;color:#333333\">\n<div class=\"sue-icon-text-icon\" style=\"color:#333333;font-size:24px;width:24px;height:24px\"><i class=\"sui sui-photo\" style=\"font-size:24px;color:#333333\"><\/i><\/div>\n<div class=\"sue-icon-text-content su-u-trim\" style=\"color:#333333\"> <a ref=\"https:\/\/abcnews.go.com\/GMA\/video\/ridiculously-photogenic-guy-live-gma-zeddie-little-16114354\">ABC News<\/a><\/div>\n<div style=\"clear:both;height:0\"><\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Ever wondered how memes come to life? A friend of mine enjoys transforming his friends\u2019 candid photos into memes. He sifts through their Facebook albums, picks the most awkward faces, adds some text, and voila! A meme is born. However, not all memes achieve viral status. While creating memes is simple, their success depends on&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":133,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[3398],"tags":[1962],"topic":[4522,4521],"class_list":["entry-content","is-maxi"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v22.8 (Yoast SEO v27.4) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Unveiling the Real-Life Stories of 10 Iconic Internet Memes - Hongkiat<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Ever wondered how memes come to life? A friend of mine enjoys transforming his friends&#039; candid photos into memes. He sifts through their Facebook albums,\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hongkiat.com\/blog\/stories-behind-memes\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Unveiling the Real-Life Stories of 10 Iconic Internet Memes\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Ever wondered how memes come to life? A friend of mine enjoys transforming his friends&#039; candid photos into memes. 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