When Was Running Invented? A History of the Meme

Introduction

The “When Was Running Invented” meme is a popular internet joke that has been circulating for several years. The joke typically features an image of a runner with the caption “When was running invented?” followed by a humorous response. Despite its popularity, the origins of the meme are less well known. This article will explore the history of the “When Was Running Invented” meme, from its origins to its present day status as one of the most widely shared internet jokes.

Exploring the Origins of the Running Meme – How It All Began

Before examining the history of the “When Was Running Invented” meme, it is important to understand what a meme is. According to the Oxford English Dictionary, a meme is “an image, video, piece of text, etc., typically humorous in nature, that is copied and spread rapidly by Internet users, often with slight variations.” The meme format is ideal for conveying humor, as it allows for quick and easy sharing of content across different platforms. With this in mind, it is no surprise that the “When Was Running Invented” meme has become so popular.

The exact origin of the “When Was Running Invented” meme is unclear, but it is believed to have originated on Reddit in 2013. At the time, Reddit user u/deejaysamson posted a thread asking “When was running invented?”, which prompted numerous replies from other users. The thread quickly gained traction and spawned a series of similar posts, many of which featured images of runners with captions such as “When was running invented?” or “How long has running been around?”.

Examining the History Behind the ‘When Was Running Invented’ Meme

After the initial Reddit thread, the “When Was Running Invented” meme began to gain traction on other social media platforms, such as Twitter and Instagram. Early examples of the meme typically featured images of runners accompanied by captions that were either serious or sarcastic in nature. For example, one of the earliest examples of the meme featured a picture of a runner with the caption “When was running invented? So I can get some credit for being one of the first people to do it.”

As the meme gained popularity, more variations began to emerge. Some versions of the meme featured images of animals running, while others used images of athletes or cartoon characters. The captions accompanying these images also began to evolve, ranging from self-deprecating jokes to tongue-in-cheek comments about the history of running. Over time, the meme became increasingly popular, leading to its widespread use on various social media platforms.

A Closer Look at the Birth of the ‘When Was Running Invented’ Joke

The “When Was Running Invented” meme is based on a joke that dates back to at least the early 2000s. The joke typically features two people discussing the history of running, with one person asking “When was running invented?” and the other responding with “About five minutes ago.” The joke is usually used to poke fun at the idea that running is a relatively new invention, despite the fact that humans have been running for thousands of years.

Over time, the joke has evolved to take on different forms. For example, some versions of the joke feature a more modern setting, with the two people discussing the invention of running shoes instead of running itself. Other versions of the joke focus on the physical aspects of running, such as the difficulty of running long distances or the importance of proper form. Regardless of the specific context, the joke remains centered around the idea of running being a relatively recent invention.

The Evolution of the ‘When Was Running Invented’ Meme

Since its inception, the “When Was Running Invented” meme has undergone a number of changes. As mentioned earlier, the original meme featured images of runners with captions that were either serious or sarcastic in nature. However, as the meme gained popularity, more variations began to emerge. For example, some versions of the meme featured images of animals running or cartoon characters, while others used images of athletes or celebrities. The captions accompanying these images also began to evolve, ranging from self-deprecating jokes to tongue-in-cheek comments about the history of running.

In addition to the increased variety of images used in the meme, the format of the meme has also changed over time. For example, some versions of the meme feature a single image with a caption, while others feature multiple images with a single caption. This evolution of the meme has allowed it to remain fresh and relevant in the ever-changing world of internet culture.

Tracing the Roots of the ‘When Was Running Invented’ Gag

In order to fully understand the “When Was Running Invented” meme, it is important to look at the language used in the joke. Most versions of the joke use words such as “invented” or “created”, implying that running is a recent invention. This language implies that running is something that has been created by humans, rather than something that has always existed in nature. This subtle shift in language helps to add an element of irony to the joke, as it implies that running is a relatively new invention despite its long history.

It is also important to consider the cultural impact of the “When Was Running Invented” meme. The joke serves as a reminder that running is a relatively recent invention, despite its long history. It also highlights the importance of recognizing and celebrating the achievements of those who have pushed the limits of what is possible in running. Finally, the meme serves as a reminder that running is something that can be enjoyed by all, regardless of age or ability.

A Timeline of the ‘When Was Running Invented’ Meme

The “When Was Running Invented” meme has come a long way since its humble beginnings on Reddit in 2013. Since then, the meme has grown in popularity, spawning countless variations and inspiring countless imitations. To better understand the evolution of the meme, it is helpful to examine its development over time.

2013: The “When Was Running Invented” meme is born on Reddit. The meme quickly gains traction and spawns a series of similar posts.

2014: The meme begins to appear on other social media platforms, such as Twitter and Instagram. Variations of the meme begin to emerge, featuring images of animals running or cartoon characters.

2015: The meme continues to grow in popularity, with more variations appearing on social media. The joke behind the meme also evolves, taking on different forms and contexts.

2016: The “When Was Running Invented” meme reaches peak popularity, with millions of shares across different social media platforms. The meme is now one of the most widely shared internet jokes.

Analyzing the Popularity of the ‘When Was Running Invented’ Meme

So why has the “When Was Running Invented” meme become so popular? According to a study conducted by researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles, there are a number of factors that contribute to the meme’s success. These include its ability to convey humor through the use of irony, its simple and relatable format, and its appeal to both runners and non-runners alike.

The meme has also changed over time to keep up with changing trends in internet culture. For example, the use of images featuring animals or cartoon characters has allowed the meme to remain fresh and relevant. Additionally, the evolution of the joke behind the meme has allowed it to remain funny and relatable in the ever-changing world of internet humor.

Conclusion

The “When Was Running Invented” meme is a popular internet joke that has been circulating for several years. This article explored the history of the meme, from its origins to its present day status as one of the most widely shared internet jokes. It examined the origins of the meme, the joke that inspired it, and the cultural impact it has had in the years since. By analyzing the language used in the joke and studying its evolution over time, it is clear that the “When Was Running Invented” meme has become an integral part of internet culture.

In conclusion, the “When Was Running Invented” meme is an example of how a simple joke can become a popular internet phenomenon. Its success is a testament to the power of internet culture, and its evolution over time demonstrates the importance of staying current with changing trends.