Grumpy Cats, Lawyer Dogs, And More: The 20 Best Memes Of 2012

2012 was the year memes exploded into the public consciousness. Mainstream media websites covered “Binders Full of Women” as breathlessly as they did the presidential election itself. Within minutes of a notable cultural moment, multiple Tumblr blogs and Twitter accounts would pop up, bringing with them clever parodies and imperfect imposters alike. And yet, like a football to the groin on America’s Funniest Home Videos, the right meme (i.e. not “Binders Full of Women”) can still bring endless amounts of laughter. I still giggle like an excited Ron Swanson every time I see that cat reading the newspaper. HE THINKS HE’S PEOPLE.

Maske put together our best-of 2011 “Meme Watch” guide, and this year, the responsibility rests on my carpal tunnel-ridden fingers. SO: the following are 20 memes that began in 2012 that fit two crucial UPROXX standards: 1) they symbolize the year that was, and b) are still funny. Sorry, Kony 2012. It made sense at the time…


#20. Overly Attached Girlfriend

#19. Drunk Baby

#18. What People Think I Do/What I Really Do

#17. Falling Bear

#16. Chandler Dances on Things

#15. Sophisticated Cat

#14. Ridiculously Photogenic Guy/Ridiculously Photogenic Surgery Girl

#13. Pop Culture Hates Internet Explorer

#12. Inappropriate Timing Bill Clinton

#11. If You Watch It Backwards

#10. One-Up America

#9. Pervert Stringray

#8. Lawyer Dog

#7. Go Home, You’re Drunk

#6. Skeptical Third World Kid

#5. Dogshaming

#4. Ikea Monkey

#3. Botched Ecce Homo Jesus Fresco

#2. McKayla Is Not Impressed

#1. Grumpy Cat

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