Always-has-been

The "Always has been" meme typically features two astronauts. One astronaut, often shown looking surprised or making a new discovery (such as the Earth being flat, or a specific location like Ohio being the entirety of existence), is confronted by a second astronaut, who is usually behind them, holding a pistol, and calmly stating, "Always has been." This iconic visual setup has been widely adapted across the internet to convey various humorous, ironic, or deadpan revelations.

🤨 Meaning

At its core, "Always has been" signifies the humorous or deadpan confirmation of a supposed long-standing truth, often one that challenges a common perception or reveals something obvious in a surprising context. It's used to imply that a particular fact, state of affairs, or characteristic has always been the case, and any recent realization of it is merely the observer catching up. The phrase carries a tone of nonchalant acceptance, sometimes bordering on ironic gaslighting, making it highly effective in comedic and relatable online communication.

📖 Origin

The "Always has been" meme gained significant traction in February 2020. While its exact initial appearance is debated, it largely popularized through a specific image macro featuring two astronauts. The most iconic variant, often citing "Ohio" as the sole remaining entity in the universe, is believed to have first appeared on Reddit's r/dankmemes subreddit. The concept quickly resonated with internet users, leading to numerous adaptations across social media platforms, including Twitter, Instagram, and video-sharing sites like YouTube, where compilations and animated versions further propelled its virality (e.g., you can find many examples by searching for "always has been meme" on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=always+has+been+meme). Its simple yet versatile format allowed for rapid spread and customization.

🎙️ Usage

The "Always has been" meme is highly versatile and suitable for scenarios where a humorous, ironic, or deadpan revelation is intended. It's perfect for acknowledging something obvious, playfully challenging a misconception, or confirming an undeniable truth with a twist.

Here are common applications:

• Confirming an Obvious Fact: When someone expresses surprise at something universally known.
  • Example: "Wait, the sky is actually blue?" "Always has been."
• Humorously Debunking a Misconception: Used to mock or playfully correct a wrong assumption.
  • Example: "I thought pineapple on pizza was a crime." "Always has been." (used ironically to imply it's not a crime, but rather a long-standing acceptable practice for some).
• Acknowledging a Long-Standing Habit or Trait: When a personal characteristic or systemic issue is finally recognized.
  • Example: "So, my procrastination is actually a core personality trait?" "Always has been."
• Referencing Inside Jokes or Established Norms: Perfect for confirming a shared understanding within a group.
  • Example: "Are we still using that ancient software for payroll?" "Always has been."
• Ironic or Sarcastic Commentary: To highlight absurdity or a frustrating status quo.
  • Example: "So, modern CPUs run hot enough to cook an egg?" "Always has been."

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