Meaning
What does The future is now, old man mean?
The phrase “The future is now, old man” is a quote from the popular sitcom Malcolm in the Middle. In this episode, the character Dewey speaks to Hal, implying that he needs to accept a new generation of technology. The phrase implies that the world has become more advanced and that new advancements are being made at a rapid rate.
The phrase has been widely used as an image macro meme to reflect our own day-to-day lives, reminding us of how far we have come over time and how much further we can go with technology. It reminds us that we are living in what many consider to be the future.
Origin
What's the origin of The future is now, old man?
The phrase “The future is now, old man” originated in the Season 3 Episode 10 of Malcolm in the Middle titled Lois’ Makeover, which aired in January 2002. In the episode, Dewes (played by Erik Per Sullivan) says the phrase on the basketball court after defeating Hal (played by Brian Cranston) with the help of his brothers.
The phrase has since become popular as a meme and has been used in a variety of different ways. It’s often used as an insult to mock someone’s lack of understanding in relation to technology.
Spread & Usage
How did The future is now, old man spread?
The first instance of the meme was a GIF of Malcolm and Hal, uploaded to 9GAG in late 2016. It quickly became a favorite among users and was soon posted on Reddit‘s r/MemeEconomy subreddit. From there, it spread like wildfire across social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and other sites such as Twitter and YouTube. The meme continues to be widely used in various contexts today.
In conclusion, “The future is now, old man” has become a widely recognized catchphrase since its introduction in 2002, initially, among fans of the series. In 2016, it became a widely used meme format on social media sites such as 9GAG, Reddit and Facebook among others. It has been adapted for various purposes due to its humorous nature and relatable message of change and progress.
External resources
- Cheezburger – 12 ‘The Future Is Now Old Man’ Memes That Prove ‘Malcolm In The Middle’ Was The Best Show
- Know Your Meme – The Future Is Now, Old Man