What’s the origin story of the Deal With It meme and sunglasses?
The “Deal With It” meme emerged from the creative depths of internet culture, with its earliest notable appearance in a 2005 webcomic by Matt Furie on MySpace. The iconic sunglasses animation that became synonymous with the meme was inspired by a Something Awful forum post featuring a smug dog image, which laid the foundation for the meme’s visual style.
The phrase itself gained significant traction as a dismissive response, but it was digital artist Ryder Ripps who transformed it into the legendary animated format we know today in 2010. Ripps created the original Photoshop template that would become the standard format, featuring the distinctive dropping sunglasses animation that perfectly captured the essence of the dismissive catchphrase.
When did the Deal With It meme become a viral sensation?
The Deal With It meme experienced its explosive growth in June 2010 when animated GIFs featuring dropping sunglasses began circulating widely on the media-sharing platform Dump.fm. The meme’s popularity surged further when prominent Tumblr users Greg Rutter and Brad O’Farrell shared versions of the animation, helping it reach mainstream status.
The meme reached another peak of cultural relevance in March 2011 when it transcended digital spaces into real-world events, notably during a controversy involving Ohio State University basketball. The phrase became a trending Twitter hashtag after 1,400 red towels emblazoned with “DEAL WITH IT” were distributed at a basketball game, demonstrating how deeply the meme had penetrated popular culture.
How did Dump.fm transform this meme into an animated phenomenon?
Dump.fm played a pivotal role in the meme’s evolution by hosting a dedicated “deal with it” GIF contest that catalyzed creative variations of the dropping sunglasses animation. The platform’s unique structure as a chatroom for sharing and modifying images created the perfect environment for collaborative meme development, allowing users to build upon each other’s work.
The site’s community-driven nature and emphasis on visual communication helped establish the standardized format of the dropping sunglasses animation. Dump.fm’s interface made it easy for users to share and modify images, while its chatty and insider culture fostered genuine friendships among creators, leading to increasingly creative and sophisticated versions of the meme.
Why did the Deal With It meme become a $22,000 NFT?
The Deal With It meme’s transformation into a valuable NFT represents a fascinating intersection of internet culture and digital ownership. In 2021, Ryder Ripps auctioned the original Photoshop template and full rights to the meme as an NFT on Foundation.App, ultimately selling for 15 Ethereum, equivalent to approximately $22,000.
The significant value placed on this digital asset reflects both the meme’s cultural impact and the broader NFT boom of the early 2020s. The sale included not just the image itself, but the original Photoshop template used to create it, offering the buyer a piece of internet history and the tools that sparked countless variations across the web.
What makes Deal With It merchandise unique among meme products?
Deal With It merchandise stands out for its versatility and instant recognition across different cultural contexts and age groups. The meme’s simple yet powerful visual element – the dropping sunglasses – translates exceptionally well to physical products, creating an immediate connection with internet culture.
The merchandise carries a dual appeal, functioning both as a fashion statement and as a knowing nod to digital culture history. Its enduring popularity since 2010 has elevated it beyond typical meme merchandise, transforming it into a classic symbol of internet culture that maintains relevance even as other memes fade into obscurity.
Which Deal With It products are most popular in 2025?
In 2025, Deal With It merchandise continues to evolve with contemporary fashion trends while maintaining its iconic status in internet culture. The classic sunglasses designs remain bestsellers, now enhanced with modern features like UV protection and sustainable materials to appeal to environmentally conscious consumers.
Digital collectibles and limited edition merchandise have gained significant traction, particularly following the successful NFT sale that established the meme’s value in the digital marketplace. The merchandise line has expanded to include both traditional items like t-shirts and hoodies, as well as innovative products that incorporate augmented reality features to recreate the dropping sunglasses animation in real life.
How can you style Deal With It merchandise for different occasions?
The versatility of Deal With It merchandise allows for seamless integration into various style contexts, from casual streetwear to ironic formal wear. The key to styling these pieces lies in balancing their inherent humor with the desired level of sophistication for any given setting.
For everyday wear, Deal With It items can be paired with contemporary streetwear to create a look that acknowledges internet culture while maintaining fashion-forward sensibilities. The merchandise can also be incorporated into more polished ensembles by using subtle designs and minimalist interpretations of the classic meme.
What are the most iconic variations of the Deal With It meme?
The Deal With It meme has spawned countless variations since its inception, with the most memorable ones featuring unexpected applications of the dropping sunglasses animation. The original smug dog variation from Something Awful set the template for future iterations, establishing the core elements that would define the meme’s success.
The meme’s evolution through Dump.fm’s creative community led to increasingly sophisticated and surprising variations, each adding new layers to the original concept. The format’s adaptability allowed it to be applied to virtually any image or situation, creating a rich tapestry of variations that contributed to its longevity and cultural impact.
Where can you find authentic Deal With It collectibles?
Authentic Deal With It collectibles can be found through various digital marketplaces that specialize in meme culture and NFT trading. The original NFT and associated rights were sold through Foundation.App, establishing a precedent for verified digital ownership of meme-related assets.
Traditional merchandise channels have expanded to include specialized retailers that focus on internet culture collectibles. The growing market for digital collectibles has created new opportunities for acquiring authenticated pieces of meme history, though buyers should verify the authenticity of any claimed original or limited edition items.