Uncover the Culinary Conundrum: Exploring the "What Was He Cooking?" Meme

“What was he cooking?” meme originated from a scene in the animated film, “Ratatouille,” where the character Remy, a rat, is watching a human chef cook. The scene became a popular meme format, with people adding their own captions to the image of Remy, typically expressing surprise or confusion about what the chef is cooking.

The meme has been used in a variety of contexts, often to express disbelief or amusement at someone’s actions or words. It has also been used to poke fun at people who are overly serious or pretentious. The meme has become so popular that it has even been featured in other works of popular culture, such as the TV show “The Simpsons.”

The “what was he cooking?” meme is a versatile and relatable meme that can be used to express a variety of emotions and ideas. It is a fun and easy way to add some humor to your online conversations.

what was he cooking meme

The “what was he cooking?” meme is a versatile and widely recognized internet meme that has captured the attention of individuals across various online platforms. Its multifaceted nature can be attributed to several key aspects:

Origin: Animated film “Ratatouille”
Format: Image of Remy the rat with added captions
Expression: Surprise, confusion, disbelief
Popularity: Featured in popular culture, including “The Simpsons”
Versatility: Applicable to various contexts
Relatability: Expresses common emotions
Humor: Adds a touch of amusement to conversations
Cultural Impact: Has become a recognizable symbol in online communication

These aspects collectively contribute to the meme’s widespread appeal and enduring presence in the digital realm. Its relatable nature and ability to convey a range of emotions have made it a popular choice for expressing reactions and adding a touch of humor to online interactions.

Origin

The “what was he cooking?” meme owes its existence to the animated film “Ratatouille,” released in 2007. The film features a scene where Remy, a rat, watches a human chef cooking. Remy’s expression of surprise and curiosity in this scene resonated with audiences, becoming the foundation for the popular meme format.

Visual recognition: The image of Remy has become instantly recognizable, evoking the meme’s association with the film. The character’s wide-eyed expression and inquisitive pose perfectly capture the sentiments of surprise and confusion that the meme conveys.
Cultural significance: “Ratatouille” gained critical acclaim and widespread popularity, making the meme relatable to a broad audience. The film’s themes of determination, friendship, and the pursuit of one’s dreams further enhance the meme’s appeal and emotional resonance.
Storytelling potential: The “what was he cooking?” meme format allows users to create their own narratives by adding captions to the image. This storytelling aspect adds a layer of interactivity and creativity, encouraging users to engage with the meme and express their own ideas and perspectives.
Cross-platform appeal: The meme’s popularity has extended beyond the film itself, appearing in various online spaces, including social media platforms, messaging apps, and image-sharing websites. This cross-platform presence demonstrates the meme’s versatility and ability to transcend the boundaries of its original context.

In conclusion, the origin of the “what was he cooking?” meme in the animated film “Ratatouille” has significantly contributed to its widespread recognition, relatability, storytelling potential, and cross-platform appeal. The meme’s ability to capture and convey a range of emotions has made it a versatile and enduring presence in online communication.

Format

The distinctive format of the “what was he cooking?” meme, featuring an image of Remy the rat with added captions, plays a pivotal role in its widespread recognition and impact:

Visual Impact: The image of Remy, with his wide-eyed expression and inquisitive pose, instantly captures attention and conveys a sense of surprise and curiosity. This visual element serves as a powerful hook, drawing viewers in and setting the stage for the meme’s message.
Captioning Versatility: The meme’s format allows for the addition of customized captions, giving users the freedom to express a wide range of emotions, reactions, and narratives. This versatility enables the meme to adapt to various contexts and appeal to diverse audiences.
Relatability and Humor: The image of Remy, a beloved character from the film “Ratatouille,” evokes feelings of familiarity and warmth. Combined with the humorous and often unexpected captions, the meme creates a relatable and amusing experience that resonates with viewers.
Cross-Cultural Appeal: The use of an image transcends language barriers, making the meme accessible to a global audience. The simple yet expressive nature of the format allows for easy and enjoyment across cultures.

In conclusion, the format of the “what was he cooking?” meme, featuring an image of Remy the rat with added captions, is a key factor in its popularity and widespread appeal. The visual impact, captioning versatility, relatability, and cross-cultural appeal of this format contribute to the meme’s ability to convey a range of emotions and ideas effectively.

Expression

The “what was he cooking?” meme is intrinsically linked to the expressions of surprise, confusion, and disbelief. These emotions are conveyed through Remy’s wide-eyed stare and inquisitive pose, which resonate with viewers and effectively communicate the meme’s intended message.

Surprise: Remy’s expression captures the element of surprise, often used to react to unexpected or unusual situations or events. The meme taps into this emotion, allowing users to express their astonishment or bewilderment in a humorous and relatable way.
Confusion: The meme also conveys a sense of confusion, reflecting moments when individuals are puzzled or disoriented. Remy’s facial expression mirrors this state of mind, enabling users to express their own confusion or perplexity in a lighthearted manner.
Disbelief: The meme further encompasses the emotion of disbelief, portraying Remy’s reaction to something that seems unbelievable or hard to comprehend. This expression adds a layer of incredulity or skepticism to the meme, allowing users to convey their disbelief in a humorous and exaggerated way.
Exaggeration and Humor: The meme takes these expressions of surprise, confusion, and disbelief to humorous extremes. Remy’s exaggerated reactions amplify the intended emotions, adding a touch of absurdity and entertainment to the meme’s overall impact.

In conclusion, the “what was he cooking?” meme effectively harnesses the expressions of surprise, confusion, and disbelief through Remy’s iconic image. These emotions form the core of the meme’s message, allowing users to express their reactions and perspectives in a humorous and relatable way.

Popularity

The popularity of the “what was he cooking?” meme has extended beyond its origins in the animated film “Ratatouille” to become a widely recognized phenomenon in popular culture. One notable example of this is its inclusion in episodes of the long-running animated sitcom “The Simpsons,” a testament to the meme’s pervasive influence and cultural significance.

Cultural Resonance: The appearance of the “what was he cooking?” meme in “The Simpsons” underscores its deep-rooted connection with popular culture. The show’s vast audience and enduring legacy have further solidified the meme’s place in contemporary culture.
Cross-Media Appeal: The meme’s presence in a different medium, such as a television series, demonstrates its ability to transcend its original context and resonate with audiences across various platforms.
Increased Recognition: The inclusion of the meme in “The Simpsons” has undoubtedly contributed to its widespread recognition and familiarity among a diverse audience.
Cultural Commentary: The use of the meme in “The Simpsons” often serves as a form of cultural commentary, reflecting the show’s satirical and observant nature.

In conclusion, the popularity of the “what was he cooking?” meme has been significantly bolstered by its inclusion in “The Simpsons,” a renowned and influential television series. This cross-media recognition has further cemented the meme’s status as a cultural phenomenon, extending its reach and impact beyond its initial context.

Versatility

The “what was he cooking?” meme’s versatility extends to its applicability in a wide range of contexts, making it a highly adaptable and relatable form of expression. This versatility stems from several key factors:

Universal Emotions: The meme taps into fundamental human emotions such as surprise, confusion, and disbelief, which are universally experienced and understood. This allows the meme to resonate with audiences from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
Open-Ended Interpretation: The meme’s format, featuring an image of Remy the rat with added captions, provides a blank canvas for users to interpret and apply to their own experiences and situations. This open-endedness contributes to its versatility and adaptability.
Cultural Relevance: The meme’s origins in the popular animated film “Ratatouille” have imbued it with a cultural significance that enhances its relatability and appeal across different contexts.
Cross-Platform Presence: The meme’s presence on various online platforms, including social media, messaging apps, and image-sharing websites, further expands its reach and applicability.

In conclusion, the “what was he cooking?” meme’s versatility lies in its ability to convey universal emotions, provide an open-ended framework for interpretation, draw upon cultural relevance, and thrive in diverse online spaces. This versatility has solidified the meme’s status as a widely applicable and relatable form of expression.

Relatability

The “what was he cooking?” meme draws its relatability from its ability to express common emotions that resonate with a wide audience. These emotions form the foundation of the meme’s appeal and contribute to its widespread use and recognition.

Surprise: The meme captures the universal emotion of surprise, often used to react to unexpected or unusual situations or events. Remy’s wide-eyed stare and inquisitive pose effectively convey this emotion, allowing users to express their astonishment or bewilderment in a humorous and relatable way.
Confusion: The meme also conveys a sense of confusion, reflecting moments when individuals are puzzled or disoriented. Remy’s facial expression mirrors this state of mind, enabling users to express their own confusion or perplexity in a lighthearted manner.
Disbelief: The meme further encompasses the emotion of disbelief, portraying Remy’s reaction to something that seems unbelievable or hard to comprehend. This expression adds a layer of incredulity or skepticism to the meme, allowing users to convey their disbelief in a humorous and exaggerated way.
Exaggeration and Humor: The meme takes these expressions of surprise, confusion, and disbelief to humorous extremes. Remy’s exaggerated reactions amplify the intended emotions, adding a touch of absurdity and entertainment to the meme’s overall impact.

In conclusion, the “what was he cooking?” meme’s relatability stems from its ability to capture and convey common emotions through Remy’s expressive image. These emotions resonate with viewers, making the meme a versatile and impactful form of communication.

Humor

The “what was he cooking?” meme has gained immense popularity due to its inherent humor, which adds a touch of amusement to conversations. This humor stems from several key facets:

Exaggerated Expressions: The meme’s central image features Remy the rat with exaggerated expressions of surprise, confusion, or disbelief. These exaggerated expressions create a humorous effect, eliciting laughter or smiles from viewers.
Unexpected Captions: The meme’s format allows users to add their own captions, which often take the form of unexpected or witty remarks. The juxtaposition of Remy’s image with these unexpected captions creates a humorous contrast that adds to the meme’s amusement value.
Relatable Situations: The meme often depicts relatable situations that resonate with viewers. These situations, combined with Remy’s humorous expressions and unexpected captions, create a sense of shared humor and camaraderie among those who use the meme.
Pop Culture Reference: The meme’s origin in the popular animated film “Ratatouille” adds an additional layer of humor for those familiar with the film. The use of a recognizable character and memorable scene evokes nostalgia and a sense of shared cultural experience, enhancing the meme’s humorous impact.

In conclusion, the “what was he cooking?” meme’s humor arises from its exaggerated expressions, unexpected captions, relatable situations, and pop culture references. These facets combine to create a humorous and entertaining form of communication that adds a touch of amusement to conversations and fosters a sense of shared laughter and enjoyment among its users.

Cultural Impact

The “what was he cooking?” meme has transcended its origins as a film-related image to become a widely recognized symbol in online communication, carrying significant cultural weight and impact.

Symbol of Surprise and Confusion: The meme has become synonymous with expressing surprise, confusion, or disbelief. Remy’s wide-eyed stare and inquisitive pose have made it an instantly recognizable symbol for these emotions, often used in humorous or relatable contexts.
Cross-Cultural Appeal: The meme’s visual nature and lack of language barriers make it universally accessible, appealing to audiences across cultures and demographics. Its simplicity and relatability contribute to its widespread adoption and recognition.
Adaptability and Versatility: The meme’s format allows for endless variations and interpretations. Users can add their own captions and apply the image to a vast range of situations, making it highly adaptable and versatile in online communication.
Cultural Commentary and Social Relevance: The meme has also been used as a tool for cultural commentary and social critique. By juxtaposing Remy’s image with witty or thought-provoking captions, users can express their views on current events, social issues, or personal experiences.

In conclusion, the “what was he cooking?” meme has emerged as a significant cultural symbol in online communication, embodying emotions, transcending language barriers, and providing a platform for expression and commentary. Its widespread recognition and versatility have cemented its place as a powerful and impactful communication tool in the digital age.

FAQs about the “what was he cooking?” meme

The “what was he cooking?” meme has become a popular way to express surprise, confusion, or disbelief online. Here are some frequently asked questions about the meme and its usage:

Question 1: What is the origin of the “what was he cooking?” meme?

The meme originated from the 2007 animated film “Ratatouille,” in which a rat named Remy watches a human chef cooking. Remy’s expression of surprise and curiosity in this scene resonated with audiences, becoming the foundation for the popular meme format.

Question 2: What is the format of the “what was he cooking?” meme?

The meme typically features an image of Remy the rat with added captions. The captions often express surprise, confusion, or disbelief, and can be customized to fit a wide range of situations and contexts.

Question 3: How is the “what was he cooking?” meme used?

The meme is primarily used to express emotions such as surprise, confusion, or disbelief in a humorous way. It can be used in online conversations, social media posts, and other forms of digital communication.

Question 4: Why is the “what was he cooking?” meme so popular?

The meme’s popularity stems from its relatability, humor, and versatility. Remy’s wide-eyed expression and inquisitive pose effectively convey emotions that are universally experienced. Additionally, the meme’s customizable format allows users to express themselves in creative and humorous ways.

Question 5: What are some variations of the “what was he cooking?” meme?

There are numerous variations of the meme, including different images of Remy with various captions. Some popular variations include “what was he thinking?” and “what is he doing?” The meme has also been adapted into other formats, such as GIFs and videos.

Question 6: How can I use the “what was he cooking?” meme effectively?

To use the meme effectively, consider the context and tone of your communication. The meme is most suitable for expressing surprise, confusion, or disbelief in a lighthearted and humorous way. Avoid using the meme in overly serious or formal situations.

In conclusion, the “what was he cooking?” meme is a popular and versatile way to express surprise, confusion, or disbelief online. Its origins in the animated film “Ratatouille,” combined with its customizable format and humorous tone, have contributed to its widespread use and recognition. Understanding the meme’s origin, format, usage, and variations can help you use it effectively in your digital communications.

Tips for Using the “What Was He Cooking?” Meme Effectively

The “what was he cooking?” meme has become a ubiquitous form of online expression, used to convey surprise, confusion, or disbelief. To harness the full potential of this meme, consider the following tips:

Tip 1: Understand the ContextBefore employing the meme, carefully consider the context of your communication. The meme is best suited for lighthearted and humorous situations where an expression of surprise or confusion is appropriate. Avoid using the meme in overly serious or formal settings.Tip 2: Choose a Clear ImageSelect a high-quality, well-lit image of Remy the rat with a clear expression. This will ensure that your message is conveyed effectively and without visual distractions.Tip 3: Craft a Concise CaptionThe caption should be brief and to the point, capturing the essence of your surprise or confusion. Avoid lengthy or overly complex captions that may detract from the impact of the meme.Tip 4: Consider Your AudienceThink about your intended audience when crafting your caption. Use language and references that are appropriate for their cultural background and level of familiarity with the meme.Tip 5: Maintain OriginalityWhile there are countless variations of the “what was he cooking?” meme, strive to create original captions that reflect your unique perspective or situation. This will make your meme stand out and resonate more strongly with your audience.Tip 6: Use SparinglyLike any meme, the “what was he cooking?” meme can lose its impact if overused. Employ it judiciously to maintain its freshness and effectiveness.Tip 7: Respect CopyrightRemember that the image of Remy the rat is copyrighted material. Ensure that you are using the image legally and ethically, adhering to any applicable copyright laws and guidelines.

By following these tips, you can leverage the “what was he cooking?” meme to its full potential, adding a touch of humor and surprise to your online communications while respecting its cultural significance and legal boundaries.

Conclusion

The “what was he cooking?” meme has become a prominent and versatile form of online expression, transcending its origins in the animated film “Ratatouille” to emerge as a cultural phenomenon. Its enduring popularity stems from its ability to convey universal emotions, particularly surprise, confusion, and disbelief, in a humorous and relatable manner. The meme’s open-ended format and adaptability allow users to customize it for a wide range of situations and contexts, fostering a sense of shared understanding and amusement among its users.

While the meme has become an established part of online communication, it is important to use it judiciously and appropriately. By considering the context, crafting concise and original captions, and respecting copyright laws, users can harness the full potential of the meme while maintaining its cultural significance and impact. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, the “what was he cooking?” meme is likely to endure as a powerful and enduring symbol of shared human experiences and emotions.