Buzz
Let’s unpack this viral meme and its underlying homophobic implications.
Imagine this: you're mindlessly scrolling through TikTok and come across a video with the caption "English or Spanish." What did you just witness? No need to panic—we're here to explain this trending meme and discuss why it might be offensive. Keep reading to find out everything about the "English or Spanish" meme.
Overview of the "English or Spanish" Meme
The "English or Spanish" meme originated from a TikTok where a user would ask random people, "English or Spanish?" and then follow up with the statement, "whoever moves first is gay." This interaction quickly evolved into a meme, with people recreating the videos, often showing men freezing in place to avoid being labeled as gay.
Process Breakdown
What’s the "English or Spanish" Meme All About?
The "English or Spanish" meme is a viral trend where men freeze in place to avoid being perceived as gay. Confused? You're not alone. It all began when TikTok user @alfonsopinpon_ posted a compilation video where he approached men in a mall, asking if they spoke English or Spanish, then followed up with the line, "Whoever moves first is gay." The men in the video would freeze to avoid being labeled gay. This is the origin of the whole meme.
- So how did this become a meme? Once the original videos went viral, others began mimicking the format (asking "English or Spanish" followed by "Whoever moves first is gay") and making their own versions. These videos often show straight men freezing uncomfortably to avoid being thought of as gay.
Why the "English or Spanish" Meme is Problematic
The meme suggests that being gay is something negative. The entire point of the original videos and the memes that followed is that men go to extreme lengths—like freezing in place—to avoid being labeled gay, because to them, being gay is something bad, shameful, or embarrassing. While some may view it as harmless fun, it still perpetuates homophobia and portrays gay men as inferior.
- Sadly, the "English or Spanish" meme is a reflection of ongoing homophobia, highlighting the work still needed to achieve full acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community.
Why Do People Find the "English or Spanish" Meme Funny?
People find the meme funny because of how far men go to prove they’re not gay. The humor stems from watching men freeze in place to avoid being linked to queerness, which feels relatable to some. However, the underlying joke is that being gay is something to be ashamed of, which is homophobic, even if the intention is simply to be humorous.
"English or Spanish" Meme Song
"Static" by Steve Lacy is commonly featured in meme compilations. On May 25, 2024, TikTok user @azavtu shared a video compiling clips of people freezing after hearing "Whoever moves first is gay," with "Static" by Steve Lacy playing in the background. The video went viral, sparking a trend where users posted videos asking "English or Spanish" with the song playing.
- On June 28, 2024, TikTok user @evanjarold posted a video using the same song. While on a roller coaster, they asked a friend, "English or Spanish" as the ride dropped.
Closing Thoughts
Despite its viral success, the "English or Spanish" meme is problematic. It may seem like a light-hearted joke with no ill intentions, and not everyone involved may mean harm. However, the meme suggests that being gay is something to be ashamed of, which is unacceptable. No one should feel inferior or ashamed of their identity, and even harmless-looking memes can perpetuate harmful beliefs, like homophobia. There are plenty of memes out there that can entertain without putting others down.
