Meaning
What does Surprised Pikachu mean?
Surprised Pikachu is an internet meme that typically features a screenshot of the character Pikachu the popular children’s anime, “Pokémon” with a shocked and surprised expression on its face.
This meme is often used to convey a sense of disbelief or astonishment in response to an unexpected or ironic situation. The image has become a versatile reaction meme, used to express a wide range of emotions including shock, confusion, and disbelief.
Origin
What's the origin of Surprised Pikachu?
The origin of “Surprised Pikachu” can be traced back to a scene from the 10th Episode of the “Pokémon” anime series, titled “Bulbasaur and the Hidden Village,” which aired in Japan on June 3rd, 1997.
The meme gained popularity in the English-speaking world in 2018, when a still image from the episode resurfaced on social media. It was first shared as a mocking meme on Tumblr during the fall of 2018, by user popokko. The meme rapidly spread to other social platforms, especially Reddit, and it was a highly popular meme format by the beginning of 2019.
Users began overlaying captions or text to depict situations in which they themselves, or others, would react with a similar astonished expression as Pikachu. The meme quickly spread like wildfire and became a staple in internet culture.
Spread & Usage
How did Surprised Pikachu spread?
The “Surprised Pikachu” meme became widely popular due to its relatable and humorous nature. It quickly spread across various social media platforms, such as Twitter, Reddit, and Instagram, as users creatively adapted it to fit countless situations. The versatility of the meme allowed it to transcend its original “Pokémon” context and become a cultural phenomenon.
The meme’s widespread usage has even led to the creation of derivative versions featuring other “Pokémon” characters or internet personalities, enhancing its adaptability and keeping the meme fresh. The impact of Surprised Pikachu’s was so significant that it extended beyond the online realm, appearing on merchandise and becoming recognizable to individuals who may not regularly participate in internet culture.
External resources
- Meming Wiki – Suprised Pikachu
- 9GAG – Best 30+ Surprised Pikachu fun