**"What are those?" has transcended a simple question to become a cultural touchstone, a phrase instantly recognizable to millions across social media platforms.** This seemingly innocuous query, often delivered with a blend of shock and amusement, has etched itself into the annals of internet history, defining an era of spontaneous viral content. Its journey from a specific, candid moment to a universally understood expression of disbelief or mockery speaks volumes about the power of digital communication and the rapid evolution of online humor. Originating from a single, unforgettable video clip, the "what are those?" meme quickly captured the collective imagination, spreading like wildfire across Vine, Instagram, and countless other platforms. It embodies the essence of internet culture: a shared inside joke, a shorthand for a particular kind of observational comedy, and a testament to how quickly a fleeting moment can become an enduring part of our digital lexicon. Understanding its origins, its impact, and the person behind it offers a fascinating glimpse into the mechanics of virality and the lasting influence of internet phenomena.
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The Birth of a Phenomenon: "What Are Those?" Origin Story
The genesis of the "what are those?" meme can be pinpointed to a specific moment in internet history: June 14th, 2015. On this day, Instagram user Brandon Moore, famously known as Young Busco, uploaded a short video clip that would irrevocably alter the landscape of online humor. The video captures a seemingly mundane interaction that quickly escalates into a moment of comedic gold. In the clip, Moore confronts a police officer, not about a legal matter, but about his footwear. With a loud, startled, and genuinely incredulous tone, he points at the officer's work boots and exclaims, "What are those?" The raw, unscripted nature of the interaction, combined with Moore's emphatic delivery and the unexpected target of his query, made the video instantly shareable. It was relatable in its absurdity – who hasn't seen a pair of shoes so questionable they warranted an immediate reaction? Yet, it was also unique in its execution. The phrase "what are those?" became an immediate catchphrase, resonating with viewers who appreciated its directness and comedic punch. This single Vine-like clip, born from a casual observation, quickly transcended its original context to become a universal expression, setting the stage for countless parodies, remixes, and imitations that would flood social media platforms in the following years. It perfectly encapsulated the spontaneous, often bizarre, humor that thrives in the fast-paced world of online content creation and consumption.
Young Busco: The Man Behind "What Are Those?"
The viral sensation of "what are those?" owes its existence to the charismatic and quick-witted Brandon Moore, better known by his online moniker, Young Busco. While the meme itself became a global phenomenon, the man behind it remained, for many, a figure known primarily through that single, iconic video. Young Busco was not just the creator of a viral moment; he was a father and a resident of Berkeley, whose everyday observations inadvertently sparked a cultural wildfire. His spontaneous reaction to the police officer's boots was unscripted and authentic, a key ingredient in its widespread appeal. Tragically, Young Busco, the originator of the "what are those?" meme, has since passed away. His real name was Brandon Moore, and he was a father of five children. He lived in Berkeley, California, and his legacy extends beyond a mere internet meme; he was a real person whose moment of internet fame brought laughter to millions. His passing marked a poignant moment for those who followed internet culture, reminding us that behind every viral sensation is a human story. The impact of his creation, however, continues to echo through social media, a testament to his unexpected contribution to digital humor.
Personal Data and Biography of Brandon Moore (Young Busco)
| Real Name | Brandon Moore |
| Known As | Young Busco |
| Origin of "What Are Those?" Meme | Instagram video uploaded on June 14, 2015 |
| Key Action in Meme | Loudly asking a police officer "what are those?" while pointing at his boots. |
| Family Life | Father of five children |
| Residence | Berkeley, California |
| Status | Deceased (specific date not widely publicized, but confirmed to have passed away) |
From Viral Clip to Cultural Touchstone: The Evolution of "What Are Those?"
The journey of "what are those?" from a short, humorous video to a full-fledged cultural touchstone was remarkably swift and expansive. Once Brandon Moore's Instagram video went viral, the phrase and its accompanying gesture began to permeate every corner of the internet. It wasn't long before users on platforms like Vine, YouTube, and later TikTok, started creating their own versions. This included a series of parody and remix videos, where the original audio was dubbed over various clips, or the phrase was incorporated into skits and comedic scenarios. The beauty of "what are those?" lay in its versatility; it could be applied to anything from bizarre fashion choices to unexpected objects, always eliciting a chuckle. The phrase quickly became a humorous expression used when someone was wearing a pair of unattractive or unusual shoes. It evolved into an exclamation shouted by social media users everywhere when referring to someone without "shoe game" – a term for a person's ability to pick out stylish or impressive footwear. This simple question, initially directed at a police officer's boots, transformed into a universal shorthand for calling out questionable sartorial choices, particularly in the realm of footwear. Its ubiquity meant you'd find it sprinkled throughout social media, embedded in comments, memes, and even real-life conversations, cementing its status as one of the most recognizable internet memes of the mid-2010s and beyond. The meme's success demonstrated the power of a simple, relatable concept to transcend its origins and become a shared cultural reference point.
The Deeper Meaning: More Than Just Footwear
While "what are those?" ostensibly refers to footwear, its deeper meaning extends far beyond the literal. It functions as a slang term used to playfully mock or highlight someone's shoes, often implying they are unattractive, out-of-style, or simply perplexing. The phrase became popular because it tapped into a universal human tendency: the observation and judgment of appearance, particularly fashion. It's a comedic shorthand for expressing surprise, mild disgust, or outright amusement at someone's "shoe game." The humor of "what are those?" lies in its directness and the often-exaggerated shock it conveys. It's a way for internet users to collectively point and laugh, fostering a sense of shared experience and inside jokes. This collective expression of judgment, while lighthearted, also reflects a broader cultural emphasis on personal style and presentation. In an age dominated by visual platforms like Instagram and TikTok, where personal branding and aesthetics are paramount, a phrase like "what are those?" serves as a quick, witty critique. It's a testament to how internet culture can distill complex social observations into a simple, memorable phrase, making it a powerful tool for commentary and connection among online communities. The phrase, while initially about shoes, has become a symbol of internet-era playful critique and the rapid evolution of slang.
"What Are Those?" in Pop Culture and Beyond
The viral explosion of "what are those?" ensured its permeation into various facets of popular culture, far beyond the confines of social media feeds. Its catchy nature and universal applicability meant it wasn't just confined to internet users mocking shoes; it began appearing in mainstream media, television shows, and even professional sports. Athletes were seen mouthing the phrase or making the iconic pointing gesture on the sidelines, comedians incorporated it into their routines, and it became a common reference point in casual conversations. The phrase's longevity is a testament to its inherent comedic value and its ability to instantly convey a specific sentiment of incredulous amusement. It became a shorthand for "what on earth is that?" when faced with anything peculiar, not just shoes. This widespread adoption showcased how internet memes can transcend their digital origins and become embedded in the broader cultural lexicon, influencing everyday language and humor. "What are those?" isn't just a relic of 2015; it's a phrase that continues to be recognized and used, albeit perhaps with less frequency than at its peak, by those who have been immersed in internet culture. Its presence in pop culture highlights the powerful feedback loop between online trends and mainstream entertainment, demonstrating how a simple question can achieve lasting cultural significance.
The Enduring Legacy of "What Are Those?"
Years after its initial explosion, the "what are those?" meme continues to hold a significant place in the pantheon of internet culture. Its enduring legacy is not just about a funny video, but about its profound impact on how we communicate online and the evolution of digital humor. The phrase, while perhaps not as overtly ubiquitous as it once was, remains instantly recognizable to anyone who has spent time on social media. It serves as a historical marker, a reminder of the raw, unpolished virality that characterized the mid-2010s internet before algorithms became even more sophisticated. The longevity of "what are those?" can be attributed to several factors: its simplicity, its universal relatability (everyone has seen questionable footwear), and the sheer authenticity of Brandon Moore's original reaction. It wasn't a manufactured joke; it was a genuine moment captured and shared. This authenticity resonated deeply with audiences, allowing the meme to transcend fleeting trends and become a foundational piece of internet slang. It helped define a generation's sense of humor, influencing how subsequent memes were created, consumed, and spread. The meme's continued presence in nostalgic compilations, throwback posts, and even new remixes speaks to its timeless appeal and its unwavering status as a beloved piece of internet history. It’s a prime example of how a simple question can become an iconic symbol of online culture.
Navigating Online Trends: Understanding Meme Culture
Understanding "what are those?" isn't just about knowing its origin; it's about understanding the broader phenomenon of meme culture itself. Memes are the cultural currency of the internet, rapidly evolving units of information that spread from person to person. They encapsulate humor, commentary, and shared experiences in digestible, often visual, formats. The journey of "what are those?" provides a perfect case study for how a seemingly trivial piece of content can achieve massive cultural significance, influencing language, humor, and social interaction in the digital age. Navigating these trends requires an appreciation for their spontaneous nature and their ability to reflect or even shape societal norms and popular discourse.
The Anatomy of a Viral Meme
What makes a meme like "what are those?" go viral? Several key ingredients are often present. Firstly, **relatability** is crucial. The idea of seeing something so bizarre or unattractive that it warrants an immediate, incredulous reaction is something many people can understand. Secondly, **simplicity and replicability** are vital. The phrase "what are those?" is short, punchy, and easy to remember, repeat, and apply to new contexts. The accompanying gesture is also simple to mimic. Thirdly, **humor** is paramount. The meme is inherently funny due to its unexpectedness and the exaggerated reaction it conveys. Finally, the **platform effect** plays a huge role. In 2015, Vine and Instagram provided the perfect environment for short, shareable video clips to explode, allowing the meme to reach a critical mass of users very quickly. "What are those?" possessed all these qualities, ensuring its rapid spread and lasting impact.
The rise of memes, exemplified by "what are those?", profoundly impacts language and culture. Social media platforms act as incubators for new linguistic phenomena, allowing phrases and expressions to emerge and disseminate at unprecedented speeds. Memes become a new form of communication, a shorthand that conveys complex ideas or emotions with just a few words or an image. Phrases like "what are those?" enter the lexicon, becoming part of everyday conversations, not just online, but offline too. This phenomenon highlights how digital spaces are not merely reflections of culture but active shapers of it. They create shared experiences, foster communities around inside jokes, and contribute to a constantly evolving cultural landscape where new forms of expression are born daily. The influence of "what are those?" on language is a clear indicator of how deeply internet culture has integrated into our daily lives.
The E-E-A-T Connection: Understanding Internet Content
While a meme about shoes might not seem like a typical subject for E-E-A-T (Expertise, Experience, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness) and YMYL (Your Money or Your Life) principles, understanding these frameworks is crucial for navigating *any* information online, including the history of internet culture. Applying E-E-A-T to topics like "what are those?" means ensuring the information provided about its origin, evolution, and impact is accurate, well-researched, and comes from reliable sources (like the original video and historical accounts of internet trends). It’s about being a trustworthy source for *any* subject matter, even those seemingly lighthearted. Misinformation can exist even about memes, such as incorrect origin stories or misattributions, underscoring the need for factual accuracy.
Expertise and Authority in Digital Storytelling
To be an expert on a topic like "what are those?", one must demonstrate a deep understanding of internet culture, its history, and the specific mechanics of virality. This involves having the **expertise** to trace the meme back to its original source – Brandon Moore's Instagram video – and understanding the context in which it emerged. The **authority** comes from presenting this information clearly, accurately, and comprehensively, drawing on verifiable facts about its creation and spread. When discussing internet phenomena, the authority is often derived from diligent research and the ability to connect seemingly disparate pieces of information into a coherent narrative. For "what are those?", this means acknowledging Young Busco as the original creator and understanding the cultural landscape of 2015 that allowed it to flourish.
Trustworthiness in Documenting Internet History
The **trustworthiness** of content, even when discussing internet memes, is paramount. In an era rife with misinformation, accurately documenting internet history, including the origins and evolution of viral phenomena like "what are those?", becomes a vital task. This involves verifying facts, such as the date of the original video and the identity of its creator, Brandon Moore. It means avoiding speculation and presenting only information that can be corroborated. For the "what are those?" meme, trustworthiness is built by clearly stating its factual origins and the person behind it, rather than perpetuating common misconceptions or urban legends that might arise around such popular content. By adhering to these principles, we ensure that even the most seemingly trivial aspects of internet culture are documented with integrity, contributing to a more reliable and accurate digital historical record.
Conclusion
The phrase "what are those?" began as a spontaneous, humorous outburst in a short video clip, but it rapidly evolved into a cultural phenomenon that left an indelible mark on internet history. From its origins on Instagram with Brandon Moore, a.k.a. Young Busco, to its widespread adoption across social media platforms, this simple question became a universal shorthand for calling out questionable footwear and, by extension, any object of bewildered amusement. Its enduring legacy lies in its ability to transcend its initial context, becoming a versatile tool for humor and a testament to the power of viral content. The story of "what are those?" is more than just a meme; it's a fascinating case study in the anatomy of virality, the evolution of online language, and the profound impact of social media on our collective culture. It reminds us that even the most fleeting digital moments can achieve lasting significance, shaping our humor and communication for years to come. What are your favorite "what are those?" moments or other memes that have stuck with you? Share your thoughts in the comments below! If you enjoyed this deep dive into internet culture, be sure to explore our other articles on viral phenomena and digital trends.
