What is the origin story of the Cheems meme?
The Cheems meme originated from a photograph of a Shiba Inu named Balltze, posted on Instagram on September 4, 2017. The image captured the dog’s distinctive expression with his unique overbite, which would later become iconic in meme culture. The transformation into the Cheems character officially began on June 8, 2019, when Reddit user Spicy_Meme_Boi created the first “Cheemsburbger” comic, featuring the dog’s now-famous image.
The character’s name and personality emerged from his apparent love of cheeseburgers, with the distinctive speech pattern of adding ‘M’ into words becoming a defining trait of the meme. This quirky linguistic feature, combined with the dog’s endearing expression, quickly resonated across social media platforms and became a cornerstone of internet meme culture.
Why did Cheems become such a popular meme character?
Cheems rose to prominence due to its universal appeal and relatable nature, particularly during the pandemic period when people sought comfort in online communities. The intentionally fractured English and the addition of ‘M’ in words created a unique form of communication that transcended language barriers, making the meme accessible to a global audience.
The character’s versatility in expressing various emotions and situations made it particularly adaptable for different contexts, from the famous “bonk” memes to comparisons with Swole Doge. The meme’s enduring popularity stems from its ability to embody a range of human experiences, from awkwardness to nostalgia, while maintaining its characteristic charm and humor. Its integration into larger meme formats, particularly the “Swole Doge vs. Cheems” comparisons, further cemented its place in internet culture.
What happened to the real dog behind the Cheems meme?
Balltze, the beloved Shiba Inu known as Cheems, tragically passed away on August 19, 2023, due to complications during a thoracentesis procedure. The dog had been diagnosed with cancer, and while his owner Kathy had been planning chemotherapy treatment, unexpected complications arose during the procedure to drain fluid from around his lungs. He was twelve years old at the time of his passing.
His owner shared the news with his thousands of followers on Instagram, encouraging them to remember the joy that Balltze brought to the world rather than mourn his loss. During his lifetime, particularly through the pandemic, Balltze had become more than just a meme – he was a source of comfort and connection for many people worldwide, helping them cope with difficult times through his endearing presence online.
How did Cheems evolve from Balltze to the “bonk” meme?
The evolution of Cheems into the “bonk” meme began with an unrelated Instagram video posted on July 13, 2019, featuring a different Shiba Inu being hit with a hammer accompanied by a “bonk” sound. The community quickly associated this concept with Cheems, leading to the creation of the famous “bonk” meme format where Cheems appears wielding a baseball bat.
The “bonk” meme gained particular notoriety when it became associated with the phrase “go to horny jail,” creating a wholesome way to call out inappropriate behavior online. This transformation showcased the versatility of the Cheems character, allowing it to evolve from a simple dog photo into a cultural icon capable of expressing complex social commentary through humor.
What makes Cheems merchandise different from other meme products?
Cheems merchandise stands out due to the character’s unique blend of awkward charm and relatable humor that resonated deeply with people during challenging times, particularly the pandemic. The character’s distinctive speech pattern and expressive face created a recognizable brand identity that translates well into physical products.
Unlike other meme merchandise that might rely solely on humor, Cheems products carry an emotional connection with fans who view the character as a symbol of comfort and shared online experiences. The meme’s evolution through various formats, from the original Cheemsburger to the bonk memes, provides diverse design possibilities that appeal to different aspects of internet culture.
Is Cheems the same as Doge?
Cheems and Doge are distinctly different Shiba Inus, despite their frequent appearances together in memes. While Doge originated from a photo of Kabosu, owned by Atsuko Sato, Cheems came from a different dog named Balltze, owned by Kathy. The two characters emerged at different times, with Doge appearing first in 2010, while Cheems made his debut on Instagram in 2017.
These two iconic dogs often appeared together in memes, creating a dynamic where Cheems typically played a more cynical or less competent role compared to the optimistic Doge. Both dogs have sadly passed away, with Kabosu crossing the rainbow bridge on May 24, 2024, and Balltze departing in August 2023.
What are the most popular Cheems meme variations?
The most significant Cheems meme variation is the “Swole Doge vs. Cheems” format, which uses the contrast between a muscular Doge and a timid Cheems to compare different eras, attitudes, or situations. This format typically presents Cheems as representing modern weakness or decline, while Swole Doge represents historical or traditional strength.
Another major variation is the “bonk” meme, where Cheems appears with a baseball bat sending people to “horny jail”. The character’s signature speech impediment, adding ‘M’ to words (like “Cheemsburger”), has also spawned countless variations and adaptations across social media platforms. These variations demonstrate the meme’s versatility and staying power in internet culture.
How do you properly pronounce “Cheems”?
The pronunciation of “Cheems” follows directly from its origin as a modification of the word “cheese” in “cheeseburger”. The name emerged from the character’s love of cheeseburgers, with the signature addition of the letter ‘M’ creating the distinctive “Cheems” pronunciation.
The word is typically pronounced as a single syllable, with a long ‘E’ sound followed by an ‘M’ sound, similar to the word “teams” but with a “ch” at the beginning. This pronunciation became standardized through the meme’s spread across social media and its frequent use in various online communities.
What’s the significance of “bonk” in Cheems meme culture?
The “bonk” aspect of Cheems meme culture originated from a July 2019 Instagram video featuring a Shiba Inu and a hammer sound effect, which was later associated with Cheems. This evolved into the widely recognized format where Cheems appears with a baseball bat, ready to send wrongdoers to “horny jail”.
The “bonk” meme became a way for internet communities to playfully police inappropriate behavior, particularly expressions of excessive attraction or desire. This variation of the Cheems character added a new dimension to the meme, transforming him from a passive, awkward figure into an enforcer of internet social norms, albeit in a humorous and non-threatening way.