Modern Pop Culture References You Should Know! (Gen Z Edition)

Pop culture has undergone a significant expansion within its medium, owing to the rapid rise in popularity of TikTok. This dynamic platform has now become a primary influencer, dictating the trajectory of trends that are subsequently embraced by popular culture. Within this curated list, we have compiled a collection of defining moments that have not only shaped contemporary trends but have also become ingrained in the collective consciousness of Generation Z, ensuring their familiarity with these cultural phenomena. Here is a list of a few modern pop culture references every Gen Z would know.

1. Okay let’s go

Once this famous sound is heard, it undoubtedly becomes forever stuck in everyone’s mind. Like a spell, it infiltrates our brains without permission, thanks to its bizarre and comedic delivery, making it seamlessly adaptable to any context, resulting in laughter. The origin of this memorable phrase, “Okay, let’s go,” can be traced back to a Dutch show called “Man bijt hond”, where a father and son with a peculiar hobby of speaking into a microphone like carnival DJs were featured. This unexpected gem has certainly secured its place in the archives of memorable moments of modern pop culture.

2. I’m him

The empowering sports phrase, originating from rapper Kevin Gates’ 2019 album “Im Him” with H.I.M. standing for “His Imperial Majesty”, gained widespread attention when LeBron James fearlessly declared during an interview, “I don’t give a f*ck about what nobody thinks… I’m Him.” In that iconic moment, LeBron exuded an overwhelming sense of confidence and pride that proved contagious. The phrase became a symbol of unyielding self-belief, inspiring individuals to embrace their own greatness and stand tall amidst any doubters or naysayers.

Recently, the phrase resurfaced when Austin Reeves, a member of the Lakers (LeBron’s current team), displayed his prowess on the court, enthusiastically shouting “I’m him!” This prompted hilarious responses from viewers, such as “He’s him,” “He’s indeed him,” or even referring to him as “Austin (Im Him) Reeves”.

3. It’s not Professional and it’s not ethical

When it comes to embodying pop culture, there’s nothing like the influence of “Keeping Up with the Kardashians.” Yet, amidst the vast TikTok landscape, a gem of a parody created by Angelo (@_angelomarasigan) has managed to capture the attention of viewers. In this hilarious video, Angelo flawlessly says the famous line, “It’s not professional and it’s not ethical.” Such was the accuracy of his impression that many believed it to be an actual voice clip from the renowned reality series.

However, it’s important to note that this line originated from Angelo himself, gaining fame through the parody and was never uttered in any episode of “Keeping Up with the Kardashians“. Instead, it is only a clever reference to one of the Kardashians’ conflicts over differing work ethics.

4. Squarehole

This unforgettable clip by Brock (@brock1137) has left the entire world speechless, all thanks to a simple kids toy that shattered the very logic of its design. It’s mind-boggling how every single piece of the puzzle fits perfectly into the square hole, defying our expectations. The comedic brilliance of this video extended even further with a duet by Alison Burke (@tired_actor), reacting to Brock’s post. Her emotional breakdown mirrored our own disbelief as the boundaries of logic were hilariously challenged. This clip will forever hold its place as a cherished gem in the realm of modern pop culture.

5. Double it and Give it to the Next Person! 

Street interview content has become a sensation among content creators, and one particularly fascinating segment that emerged was “Double it and Give it to the Next Person.” This social experiment involves offering a dollar to an individual and presenting them with a choice: accept the dollar or double the prize pool and be passed on to another person. The concept quickly went viral, leading to numerous iterations and even parodies where obscure objects were subjected to the doubling experiment.

Now, the phrase “Double it and Give it to the Next Person” has taken on a life of its own, permeating popular culture. It has become a humorous way for people to reject offers or playfully give interviewers a hard time.

6. Call an Ambulance! But not for me. 

Another internet classic that seemingly burst onto the scene out of nowhere is the infamous “Call the ambulance but not for me” meme. Originally posted on YouTube in 2018, this meme quickly solidified its place as one of the most widely used and recognized formats across the internet. The original clip features a video of an elderly man being confronted by a mugger brandishing a knife. However, a hilarious twist ensues as the old man switches roles with the mugger, pulling out his own gun and declaring, “Call an ambulance, but not for me.” This unexpected role reversal has become a staple of internet humor, captivating audiences and leaving a lasting impression in the internet.

7. When they ask you how you are and you just have to say that you’re fine

In a twist of unexpected humor, a once serious and delicate moment morphed into a widespread meme sensation. This iconic quote, accompanied by a melancholic piano melody and a black and white filter, became the hallmark of countless online videos.

Originating from an interview with Katy Perry, where she earnestly delivered the line, it took on a life of its own as a meme format that has permeated every corner of the internet. By playfully magnifying moments of sadness with exaggerated melodrama in our minds, we find comfort in transforming these instances into shared laughter. In doing so, sadness is transformed into a comedic force that unites us through humor and amusement.

In the ever-changing world of modern pop culture, these memes and viral sensations have become powerful tool to bring people together through humor. They transcend boundaries and unite individuals from diverse backgrounds, reminding us to find joy and connection in unexpected places. So, let’s keep embracing the laughter, riding the waves of internet trends, and celebrating the quirky landscape of pop culture. Together, we’ll continue to find common ground and create moments of shared amusement.