Nowadays, memes are more than just funny images that go viral. They’ve become tools for expression, whether it’s a political sentiment, masked sadness, or, in this case, sarcastic humor.
That’s why Instagram pages like 50 Nerds of Grey exist. While an early version on a different social media platform focused on poking fun at the famous romance novel, this one is all about memes with a tinge of sarcasm.
Don’t worry; the snarkiness isn’t off-putting at all. If anything, this list may bring you the laughs you didn’t know you needed today.
#1
Image credits: 50_nerdsofgrey
#2
Image credits: henriksen
#3
Image credits: 50_nerdsofgrey
Sarcastic quips don’t always land right. It requires a bit of mental gymnastics to come off as acceptable and not be too offensive. Because of this, it forces a person to be creative with their statements.
A 2015 study proved this when the participants–a group of college students–listened to complaints to a company’s customer service line. Upon hearing sarcastic comments, the students quickly came up with creative solutions.
#4
Image credits: 50_nerdsofgrey
#5
Image credits: 50_nerdsofgrey
#6
Image credits: 50_nerdsofgrey
According to the study’s authors, the brain must develop something creative to understand and convey sarcasm. As a result, it allows you to think clearly.
“To either create or understand sarcasm, the tone must overcome the contradiction between the literal and actual meanings of the sarcastic expressions,” the authors concluded.
#7
Image credits: jessecase
#8
Image credits: 50_nerdsofgrey
#9
Image credits: 50_nerdsofgrey
For many people, sarcasm is also a coping mechanism for life’s challenges. It masks underlying sadness and makes it seem humorous. You will likely see many examples on this list.
A 2021 study published in the Journal of Psychiatric Research showed that people used sarcastic humor to ward off symptoms of depression and anxiety during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
#10
Image credits: 50_nerdsofgrey
#11
Image credits: 50_nerdsofgrey
#12
Image credits: 50_nerdsofgrey
The world’s state of affairs may be saddening and frustrating for some. Therefore, many of them rely on sarcastic humor to frame these absurdities in a more lighthearted way. And for the most part, it benefits them.
According to psychologist Dr. Mark Travers, snarky commentary on societal norms may be perceived as “insightful” and “attractive” to people who appreciate thought-provoking conversations.
#13
Image credits: 50_nerdsofgrey
#14
Image credits: 50_nerdsofgrey
#15
Image credits: 50_nerdsofgrey
What about you? Which of these memes were most relatable to you and why? Are you a fan of this kind of humor? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
#16
Image credits: 50_nerdsofgrey
#17
Image credits: 50_nerdsofgrey
#18
Image credits: kat_armas
#19
Image credits: ItsBeardoWeirdo
#20
Image credits: 50_nerdsofgrey
#21
Image credits: 50_nerdsofgrey
#22
Image credits: 50_nerdsofgrey
#23
Image credits: 50_nerdsofgrey
#24
Image credits: 50_nerdsofgrey
#25
Image credits: 50_nerdsofgrey
#26
Image credits: 50_nerdsofgrey
#27
Image credits: 50_nerdsofgrey
#28
Image credits: teaandrobots
#29
Image credits: 50_nerdsofgrey
#30
Image credits: 50_nerdsofgrey
#31
Image credits: 50_nerdsofgrey
#32
Image credits: 50_nerdsofgrey
#33
Image credits: 50_nerdsofgrey
#34
Image credits: 50_nerdsofgrey
#35
Image credits: ErinChack
#36
Image credits: 50_nerdsofgrey
#37
Image credits: 50_nerdsofgrey
#38
Image credits: ellewasamistake
#39
Image credits: 50_nerdsofgrey
#40
Image credits: 50_nerdsofgrey
#41
Image credits: 50_nerdsofgrey
#42
Image credits: 50_nerdsofgrey
#43
Image credits: 50_nerdsofgrey
#44
Image credits: 50_nerdsofgrey
#45
Image credits: adlybazaar
#46
Image credits: 50_nerdsofgrey
#47
Image credits: 40PercentGerman
#48
Image credits: scrumble_eggs
#49
Image credits: 50_nerdsofgrey
#50
Image credits: 50_nerdsofgrey
