Buzz
While internet memes and trends seem like modern creations born from spontaneity and destined for short-lived popularity, many actually trace their origins back centuries. We’ve essentially revived the fads of our ancestors, but with the added advantage of the internet to amplify their reach and speed of dissemination.
10. The Victorian Era's Take on LOLcats
The trend of photographing cats in absurd costumes and adding humorous captions dates back to the Victorian era, pioneered by photographers like Harry Pointer and Harry Frees. These artists captured cats and other animals in human-like poses, creating postcards and children’s books. Despite the challenges of using rudimentary equipment and managing live animals, they managed to produce timeless and amusing images.
Unlike their peers, taxidermist Walter Potter faced no such challenges. Throughout his career, Potter preserved and arranged numerous deceased small animals, such as rats, cats, and rabbits, positioning them in lifelike, human-like stances.
Even their peculiar creations paled in comparison to the strange artistry of painter Louis Wain. Wain, who is believed to have lived with schizophrenia, dedicated his work almost exclusively to depicting anthropomorphic cats.
9. Alfred E. Neuman: A Centuries-Old Symbol Rooted in Racism
Many of us have come across the iconic, carefree grin of Alfred E. Neuman, often accompanied by the phrase “What, Me Worry?” While Mad Magazine popularized the character in the 1950s, its origins trace back to racist caricatures targeting the Irish during their large-scale migration to the US in the 18th and 19th centuries.
During that era, the Irish were portrayed through various stereotypes, including violent alcoholics, uncouth troublemakers, and covert operatives for their homeland or the Pope. These caricatures often featured monkey-like faces, a trait that eventually morphed into Neuman’s signature “grinning fool” expression.
The phrase “What, Me Worry” was attached to this character in 1911 via the racially insensitive book Wurra-Wurra: A Legend of St. Patrick at Tara. The book portrayed Irishmen as anxious individuals who incessantly prayed to their deity Wurra-Wurra (a term resembling a Gaelic invocation to the Virgin Mary).
8. The Origins of LOLspeak Trace Back to the 1830s
LOLspeak, the delightfully flawed internet language, has its roots in a 19th-century trend of humorous abbreviations. Originating in Boston during the 1830s and ’40s, this fad spread to newspapers nationwide. These abbreviations involved intentionally misspelled words (e.g., “nuff said” became “NS”). However, rather than being harmless fun, newspapers used them to ridicule the poor and their lack of education.
On a positive note, this trend introduced one of the most universally recognized abbreviations: OK. While numerous theories exist about its origins, the most credible explanation comes from renowned etymologist Dr. Allen Walker Read. In a 1963 article for the Journal American Speech, Read suggested that OK likely originated from the misspelled phrase “oll correct.”
7. Ancient Civilizations Also Had Their Share of Trolls (and Moderators)
Imagine the modern-day keyboard warrior, comfortably seated yet hurling insults like a hero. The ancient Greeks and Romans did much the same, except they etched their messages onto walls and any available surface. Alongside the insults, they frequently documented their sexual adventures (and mocked their rivals’ lack thereof), though many posts also delved into profound subjects like love and philosophy.
Beyond the usual trolling and boastful posts, evidence suggests that messages were strictly moderated, particularly on the walls of affluent households. Similar to a forum moderator, the homeowner decided who could leave messages on their wall. This control provided them with significant influence over political candidates, who often sought to post campaign ads on these walls but had to seek permission first.
6. The Viral Apocalypse Letter
Throughout history, countless civilizations have predicted the end of the world. The Toledo Letter, however, stands out as the first recorded instance of a doomsday prediction achieving widespread virality.
Circulated across Europe in 1184 and attributed to monks, the letter foretold that the apocalypse would occur in September 1186, heralded by the ominous alignment of planets “in the sign of the Scales and in the tail of the Dragon.” Following this, a series of natural disasters would unfold, and survival would only be possible for those who fled to the mountains.
The letter sparked widespread panic across Europe, prompting even the Archbishop of Canterbury to declare a 72-hour fast to prevent the predicted apocalypse. While the planetary alignment occurred as foretold, the catastrophe never materialized. However, as history shows, the failure of one doomsday prediction never halts the rise of countless others.
5. The Original Flash Mob Emerged from a Tasmanian Prison Colony
The term “flash mob” gained popularity in 2003 after the first documented event in Manhattan, New York. However, its true, and decidedly more risqué, origins trace back to 19th-century Australia, when the continent was primarily a penal colony.
In Hobart Town, Tasmania, a group of female convicts exposed their backsides to Reverend William Bedford during a prison service, protesting his hypocrisy and their harsh working conditions. Despite efforts to identify the instigators, the sheer number of participants made it impossible. Interestingly, not everyone was offended. The governor’s wife, present at the service, struggled to contain her laughter until she reached her carriage, where she finally let it out.
419. Chain Letters from the 19th Century
Anyone with an email or social media account has likely encountered a chain letter. However, this irritating trend predates the internet, originating in the late 19th century. The earliest known example was a plea from “Mrs. George O. Haman” of Sherwood, Tennessee, asking for 10-cent donations to support the education of poor white children in Appalachia.
The letter included her address and instructions to copy and send it to four others. Unlike modern chain emails, it promised blessings to those who complied rather than threats to those who ignored it. The use of intimidation became more common during the Great Depression.
3. The Birth of Modern (Obsessive) Fandom: Sherlock Holmes and Conan Doyle
Even without the internet, 19th-century fans were just as fervent about their idols, particularly Sherlock Holmes. Victorian-era enthusiasts of the iconic detective laid the groundwork for what we now recognize as modern fandom.
These fans were every bit as passionate as today’s followers. When Arthur Conan Doyle—who had little affection for Holmes—killed the detective in a battle with Professor Moriarty, the backlash was intense. Fans protested by wearing black armbands, and one woman reportedly struck Doyle with an umbrella.
The outrage even crossed the Atlantic, with American fans petitioning Doyle to “bring Holmes back.” Yielding to pressure, Doyle revived Holmes in a new story, much to the delight of fans worldwide.
2. Guy Fawkes Masks Were Worn as Early as the 18th Century
Popularized by the graphic novel and film V For Vendetta, as well as its adoption by activist groups globally, the Guy Fawkes mask traces its origins to the aftermath of the failed Gunpowder Plot of 1605. Each November 5, Britain commemorated the event with “Guy Fawkes Night,” where effigies bearing his likeness were burned.
By the 18th century, people began wearing Guy Fawkes masks. Children donned rudimentary versions while begging on the streets, some going as far as blackening their faces and dressing in old, dark clothing. To complete the ensemble, they would chant the famous line, “Remember the fifth of November,” as they roamed.
1. The Origins of Selfies: Medieval Mirror Obsession
While many believe the selfie trend is a product of the digital age and modern narcissism, one researcher suggests its roots lie in the medieval fascination with mirrors. This cultural obsession may have paved the way for the art of self-portraiture.
Art historian James Hall argues that the medieval mirror craze inspired the creation of self-portraits by artists as early as the 12th century. Unlike today’s selfies, these portraits served as a tool for introspection, aligning with the Christian values of the time rather than seeking attention.
Hall points to Jan van Eyck’s “Arnolfini Portrait,” suggesting the mirrors in the painting symbolize self-awareness. These early self-portraits encouraged individuals to reflect on and critique their inner selves. By the 20th century, this meaningful practice faded, giving rise to the superficial selfies we know today.
