The Top Viral Memes and Jokes of the Year: A Roundup of Internet Humor Trends
In a year filled with challenges and uncertainties, one thing that managed to unite people around the world was humor. The internet served as a haven for countless memes, jokes, and viral trends that brought a much-needed chuckle to our lives. As we look back on the past year, let’s take a moment to reflect on some of the top viral memes and jokes that captured our attention and helped us navigate through the chaos.
1. “Karen” Memes
One of the most prevalent memes of the year was the “Karen” meme, which poked fun at a fictional archetype of an entitled, middle-aged white woman who often complains and demands to speak to the manager. These memes became a widespread phenomenon, with countless variations and spin-offs that satirized the stereotype. From “Karens” refusing to wear masks in public places to demanding to speak to the manager of a fast-food restaurant, these memes provided a humorous commentary on entitled behavior.
2. “Zoom Fails”
With the rise of remote work and virtual meetings, the “Zoom fail” became a popular meme format that captured hilarious moments of awkwardness and mishaps during video calls. From accidentally forgetting to mute yourself while on a call to walking in on embarrassing situations in the background, these memes highlighted the challenges of navigating the new normal of remote work. The relatability of these moments resonated with many as they adjusted to the realities of working from home.
3. “Dolly Parton Challenge”
In January, country music legend Dolly Parton kicked off the year with a viral social media challenge that took the internet by storm. The “Dolly Parton Challenge” involved users sharing four different photos of themselves, each representing a different social media platform (LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and Tinder). The challenge quickly gained traction, with celebrities and everyday users alike jumping on the bandwagon to create their own versions of the meme. Dolly Parton’s humor and charm shone through in this meme, showcasing her enduring popularity and relevance in pop culture.
4. “2020 Bingo”
As the year progressed and seemingly endless challenges continued to arise, the “2020 Bingo” meme provided a lighthearted way for people to cope with the chaos. Users created bingo cards filled with humorous and often absurd scenarios that encapsulated the events of the year, from toilet paper shortages to murder hornets. As each new development unfolded, people marked off their bingo cards, sharing them on social media to commiserate and find humor in the absurdity of the times. The meme served as a reminder that laughter can be a powerful coping mechanism in the face of adversity.
5. “Celebrities as Everyday Objects”
A trend that gained popularity in the latter half of the year was the “celebrities as everyday objects” meme, which involved photoshopping images of celebrities onto inanimate objects or scenes. From Jeff Goldblum as a toaster to Nicolas Cage as a roll of toilet paper, these memes showcased the absurdity and creativity of internet humor. The juxtaposition of ultra-famous celebrities in mundane settings added a comical twist to the meme, generating laughs and shares across social media platforms.
6. “Quarantine Haircuts”
With salons and barbershops closed for much of the year, many people resorted to giving themselves or their loved ones DIY haircuts at home. The “quarantine haircuts” meme captured the often disastrous and hilarious results of these impromptu grooming sessions. From botched bang trims to uneven fades, these memes provided a light-hearted look at the challenges of maintaining personal grooming during quarantine. The relatable nature of these experiences resonated with many who found themselves in similar situations.
Conclusion
In a year marked by uncertainty and upheaval, internet humor emerged as a beacon of light, providing much-needed laughter and levity during difficult times. The top viral memes and jokes of the year captured the absurdity and chaos of 2020, offering a comedic relief valve for people around the world. From “Karen” memes to “Zoom fails,” these trends served as a reminder that humor can unite us, even in the darkest of times. As we move forward into the new year, let’s remember the power of laughter to uplift and inspire us, no matter what challenges may come our way.