Decode the ‘Chopped Chin’ meme and know who is Angel Wiley

The internet has a knack for turning the most ordinary moments into global phenomena, and the latest example of this is the ‘Chopped Chin’ meme. What began as a simple courtside dance video has spiraled into a viral trend that’s taking over TikTok, Instagram, and every group chat you’re in.

At the center of it all is Angel Wiley, a young kid whose nonchalant charm has captured the hearts (and laughter) of millions.

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What is the ‘Chopped Chin’ meme?

The story begins back in August 2023, at an Atlanta Dream basketball game. Former WNBA player Renee Montgomery was dancing courtside, joined by her adopted son, Angel Wiley. In the clip, Angel casually bobs his head, chews his gum, and waves his hand with the kind of effortless cool you can’t teach.

While the moment was sweet and wholesome at first glance, it didn’t take long for the internet to latch onto something else—Angel’s distinctive chin movements.

Fast forward to December 2024, and the meme truly took off thanks to Instagram user @halal_man_2. They reposted the clip with emotional captions like, “Running into you in my head,” paired with a remix of Bring Me Back by Miles Away. It was an instant hit.

One viral reel led to another, and soon, people were joking about the "chopped chin" look. As one fan hilariously put it, “The way he chews his gum and that little hand gesture at the end is so nonchalant and aura.”

But what does "chopped" even mean? In slang, it’s often used to describe something or someone as “ugly,” but in this meme, the term is used ironically. Angel’s chin and his laid-back demeanor became symbolic of coolness, sparking endless variations of the meme.

Angel Wiley didn’t ask to become a meme, but he’s taken it in stride. By January 2025, the clip had spread so far that he couldn’t ignore the buzz. He addressed his unexpected fame on TikTok and X (formerly Twitter), poking fun at the trend and showing he’s in on the joke.

And then, there’s his genius move—tying the meme to his music career. Angel announced that he’d recreate the iconic dance if his EP, Algorithm, hit 21,000 streams. “Chopped Chin,” as quirky as it sounds, became his unofficial branding. Fans, of course, rallied behind him, turning the meme into a full-circle marketing win.

The beauty of the ‘Chopped Chin’ meme lies in its versatility. It’s equal parts relatable and ridiculous, making it perfect for every situation. Have a moment of unexpected victory? Drop a chopped chin reel. Want to troll your friends? Send them 50 chopped chin videos in a row. As one Instagram user confessed, “Me after torturing my friends with 50 chopped chin reels.”

Another aspect of its appeal is Angel’s nonchalant vibe in the original clip. His calm nod, paired with his gum-chewing, gives off a sense of untouchable coolness. “Chopped chin has such a nonchalant ahh aura, and that nod… chills… so fricken tuff,” one fan wrote. It’s this understated confidence that has resonated with so many people.

By now, the ‘Chopped Chin’ meme has become more than just a joke; it’s a snapshot of how internet culture works. It shows how an ordinary moment—like a kid enjoying a basketball game—can snowball into a global trend. The meme has also sparked conversations about humor and self-awareness. Some worried the term “chopped” might feel insulting, but Angel’s playful reaction has disarmed any negativity.

His attitude also highlights a valuable lesson: embrace the unexpected. By leaning into the joke, Angel has turned what could’ve been a fleeting viral moment into something lasting. It’s not every day that a meme gives someone a platform, and Angel’s using his wisely—whether it’s connecting with fans or promoting his music.

The rise of this meme is a reminder that the internet loves to surprise us. What began as a fun courtside dance has turned into a full-blown cultural moment, thanks to Angel Wiley’s charm and the power of social media. From ironic captions to heartfelt tributes, the meme has inspired countless variations, each one as funny and relatable as the last.

Angel Wiley’s story is proof that sometimes, the best way to deal with unexpected fame is to own it. So, the next time you’re scrolling through Instagram and see a chopped chin reel pop up, take a second to appreciate the kid behind the meme. Because let’s face it, we’ll never get tired of that nod.