Top 10 memes of 2016
MICHAEL BLACKWOOD, STAFF WRITER
2016 has been a momentous year in the world of memes. Events such as the presidential election spawned numerous images for internet users to create with. Narrowed down from the many, here is a list of the top 10 memes of 2016.
#10: Donald Trump’s Hair
Courtesy of Doda
Throughout the election season, Trump’s hair has taken on a life of its own, leading to copycats in every form from an actual cat to an ear of corn.
#9 Get you a man who can do both
This meme originated in February. It began with Drake and spread to everyone and everything else imaginable.
#8 Dat Boi
Image courtesy of knowyourmeme.com
Although this meme originated in 2015, it did not gain popularity until April of 2016 when its usage skyrocketed. Pun intended.
#7 Ted Cruz Zodiac Killer
Image courtesy of knowyourmeme.com
This meme has roots as far back as 2012. Because of similarities in 2016 presidential candidate Ted Cruz and sketches of the Zodiac Killer, who went on a 37-person killing spree in 1960s and 70s, many people began to joke that they were the same person.
#6 Ken Bone
Image courtesy of knowyourmeme.com
Ken Bone was attending the second presidential debate when he asked a question and won the internet’s heart. He immediately became an internet celebrity, with people even asking for him to run for president.
#5 Confused Mr. Krabs
Image courtesy of @isthatahmed
Originating from the television show, Spongebob Squarepants, this meme has been used to indicate confusion for all of 2016.
#4 Prankster Joe Biden
Image courtesy of knowyourmeme.com
In November, the internet was flooded with images of President Barrack Obama asking Vice President Joe Biden about various pranks that Biden had pulled on Donald Trump.
#3 Jordan Cry Face
Image courtesy of refinery29
This picture of Michael Jordan crying was originally used when someone messed up in a sports game; however, 2016 saw the meme rise above sports and now used for comical mess ups in every genre.
#2 Pokemon Go
Image courtesy of Iheart Radio
2016 saw the rise and fall of Pokemon Go. When Pokemon Go was released, it immediately took over the internet. Many existing memes mixed with the many originals that were created from the game
#1 Harambe
Image courtesy of The Telegraph
Taking the number 1 spot is Harambe the Gorilla. Harambe was a 17 year old gorilla who was killed when a small child fell into his enclosure at the Cincinnati Zoo in May. The internet fell in love and has not stopped talking about Harambe since his death.
