Although 2023 has come to a close, it’s standard practice to jaunt down the internet rabbit hole. It’s time to revisit the moments that had us gagged, sharing, and hashtagging with reckless abandon. From the absurd tale of a Tabi shoe thief prowling New York City to the comedic wizardry of Druski, let’s plunge into the highs of 2023.
1. The Tabi Shoe Thief: Unveiling the Chaos of New York’s Dating Scene
New York, renowned for its iconic skyline and street style, now boasts the infamous Tabi shoe thief, who attempted to commit fashion homicide! “Ladies of New York, beware,” warned the fashionista on TikTok. The enigmatic character sent social media users into a frenzy, leaving people wrestling with online dating tribulations and rushing to put a lock on their shoe closets.
The fashionista recounts on TikTok how a “cute” guy she met on Tinder had stolen her prized Maison Margiela Tabi Mary-Janes. After the TikTok video went viral, the “Tabi-swiper” revealed himself and his motives in another viral video. After some banter and internet detective work, they agreed to grab drinks so he could return the stolen shoes that he gifted to his girlfriend. Embarrassment aside, the fashionista’s viral moment earned her a Tabi-inspired party at NYC’s Bar Valentina, multiple brand deals, and a newfound social persona.
2. Hailey and Justin Bieber: Rhode Beauty Lunch Extravaganza
In the realm of power couples, Hailey and Justin Bieber took center stage during the Rhode Beauty launch activities. In celebration of a collaboration with Krispy Kreme Donuts, Hailey donned three red dresses inspired by the latest lip treatment, Rhode Skin’s Peptide Lip Treatment in Strawberry Glaze. Fans flooded the internet with memes when a paparazzi photo surfaced of Hailey and Justin stepping out of a car — one dressed to the nines, the other in sweats! Her husband sported white sweats, a pink baseball cap, and yellow shoes. Fans thought it was funny and ironic and started sharing memes about the couple’s differing personal styles.
3. Terri Joe and Saucy Santana: Drag of the Year
TikTok maintained its dominance as the go-to platform for viral sensations, and Terri Joe and Saucy Santana’s impromptu livestream was no exception. Terri Joe, who gained popularity for their dark, southern humor, found their match as the Atlanta rapper ran through various jokes that left Terri Joe’s wig uneven.
4. Druski’s TSA Employee Skit: The Hilarious Side of Airport Security
Comedian Druski elevated his skits with a spot-on TSA employee portrayal in an actual airport. Whoever granted him clearance for this likely faced repercussions. Going into full airport character mode, Druski had us in stitches as he hilariously depicted the quirks and absurdities of airport security. The video resonated with travelers worldwide, striking a chord with anyone who has navigated intricate airport experiences. Druski’s comedic brilliance showcased the internet’s insatiable appetite for relatable and side-splitting content.
5. Standing on Business: The Internet’s Beloved Power Pose
Step aside, power stances; 2023 introduced us to the “Standing on Business” meme. The trend became a symbol of self-assurance and the internet’s knack for transforming an ordinary saying into a motivational phrase used among internet entrepreneurs.
6. “That Man Is Not Real”: The Airplane Passenger Conspiracy Theory That Tickled Our Imaginations
A seemingly ordinary phrase took on a life of its own as the centerpiece of a hilarious conspiracy theory meme. A woman on a plane exclaimed, “That man is not real.” Internet users collectively pondered, “Who could she be talking to?” Numerous Reddit threads sent the internet spiraling with stories like this one.
7. Sprinkle Sprinkle: Relationship Advice For Women By Dating Guru SheraSeven
“According to a survey of adults in the U.S. using online dating services, 59 percent of women and 50 percent of men have used dating apps and websites to find an exclusive romantic partner.” – Statista
The internet’s most beloved YouTuber, affectionately known as SheraSeven, has captivated the hearts of many young women by giving innovative relationship advice, rules, and strategies for getting what they want in life in all aspects of life, but most specifically financially.
“Don’t care more for a man than he cares for you. If you do more for him than he does for you, stop! Don’t be a ‘pickmeisha.'”
“Don’t date dusties. He needs to pay your bills.”
These are the “isms” of SheraSeven, who has been creating content for years but has recently resurged on social platforms like TikTok. “Sprinkle Sprinkle” are codes for how to keep them interested and get what you want, and this meme has grown so iconic that women use this strategy to navigate today’s dating landscape.
As we reflect on the best memes and viral moments of 2023, it’s evident that the internet remains a dynamic and ever-evolving tapestry of humor, creativity, and shared experiences. From the “Tabi Shoe Thief” debacle to the “Standing on Business” pose, these moments united us in laughter, proving once again that the internet’s capacity to entertain knows no bounds. These memes and viral videos defined the conversation of 2023 and will probably continue to surface as we settle into 2024. Did we miss any that dominated your group chat?
Let us know in the comments!
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