What is the ‘Spider Pointing Meme’? Decode its meaning and origin

Ikebukuro Halloween Cosplay Fest 2022 - Source: Getty
Ikebukuro Halloween Cosplay Fest 2022 - Source: Getty

If you’ve spent time online, you’ve probably noticed the famous Spider Pointing Meme. This meme features two Spider-Men pointing at each other in a comical-accusatory way. But what’s the story behind this meme, and why has it become so popular? Let’s explore the origins and significance of one of your favorite memes!

The Origin

The Spider Pointing Meme comes from an episode of the classic 1967 Spider-Man animated series, specifically from an episode titled “Double Identity.” In this exciting episode, an antagonist named Charles Cameo pretends to be Spider-Man to commit crimes because apparently, wearing a superhero mask is perfect for a crime. The situation gets complex when the real Spider-Man shows up, leading to a hilarious moment where both the Spiders point at each other, each claiming to be the actual one.

This scene is hilarious and has become a popular meme theme, allowing internet users to humorously highlight similar people or situations.

The original scene was aired over 40 years ago, but the meme didn’t start trending until around 2011. By 2016, it had gone viral. People began using it to poke fun at everything from celebrity look-alikes to awkward moments when two people realized they had much in common.

The charm of this meme lies in its flexibility. You can add any caption emphasizing similarity or hypocrisy, and yes, you’ve created a classic meme! For example, you might see it with captions like, “When you and your friend show up to the party wearing the same dress,” with those two Spideys pointing at each other in disbelief.

As time passed, the meme evolved beyond two Spider-Men pointing at each other. It became a play, with fans adding more characters to this comedy scene. In 2018’s Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, we got an animated nod to this iconic moment when multiple versions of Spider-Man hilariously pointed at one another. It was like a multiverse party where everyone showed up in matching costumes!

So, how did this meme strike a chord with so many people? Firstly, it perfectly captures those moments when you realize you’re not the only one to feel like that - you have people who possess the same likes and dislikes. Whether showing up to work in the same shirt as your coworker or finding out your friend shares your taste in movies, this meme reflects those relatable experiences with humor.

Also, it serves as a playful reminder that we all have our doppelgängers out there, whether they’re in real life or just lurking online. And who knows? You might see them soon! Just remember to point fingers at them, Spider-style!

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Edited by Debanjana