What is the ‘Side Eye’ meme? Explore its origins and history

The side-eye meme is one of the most circulated memes on the internet. We've all come across versions of the meme featuring people, animals, cartoon characters, etc. giving the side eye. The side eye is universally understood as an expression of judgment, ignorance, annoyance, suspicion, or doubt.

The expression conveys so many feelings without the use of any words, which is why it has become one of the most viral and enduring memes on the internet.

Origin and variations of the meme

The side eye has existed long before it even blew up in the meme world. We have seen people make the side eye in public events, movies/television, cartoons etc. around the world.

The look has long been known for expressing feelings of judgment, ignorance, annoyance, suspicion, or doubt. So it was only natural that the look would take over the internet in the form of a meme.

Since the side eye is so universally understood and used, the meme has had several versions of it go viral on the internet. Here are some examples of it: -

1 - Side eye Chloe

Side eye Chloe is perhaps the most memed photo on the internet. It gained popularity in 2013 when Chloe's parents uploaded a photo of her and her sister reacting to an announcement of a surprise visit to Disneyland.

Chloe's hilarious expression immediately became viral, with people screenshotting the still from the video, editing it on Photoshop, and sharing it as a meme. Side eye Chloe remains one of the most popular side eye memes to this day.

2 - Celebrities & other public figures

Other versions of the meme that became viral on the internet are ones including celebrities and other public figures from movies, events, etc. Former First Lady Michelle Obama went particularly viral on the internet for her apparent 'killer side eye game'. She has been seen giving a side eye in several public events, much to the delight of the internet as it gives them more pictures to make memes and gifs out of.

3 - Pet Cats

Cats are among the goofiest pets that anyone can have and are known to give great side eyes. So naturally, cat owners started sharing photos of their cats giving them the side eye which ended up being edited and shared as 'side eye' memes on the internet.

The side eye meme continues to be one of the most enduring memes, thanks to how it is able to convey feelings and opinions without the use of words so flawlessly. It is one of those rare gems in the meme world that can be understood by anyone, anywhere.