Ep. 60: Early Internet Humor

From 1995 to 2010, humor on the early internet—and in broader American culture—was arguably the most simple and direct. Referencing a single “ironic” animal (like a moose, cow, or narwhal) or food item (such as tacos, waffles, or nachos) was enough to make someone giggle. As detailed by Joseph and Nathan on this week’s episode of Silent Generation, this style of humor (which they call “zimmy humor”) became so prolific that it began to pop up in places outside of the internet. Amongst other things they discuss how foamy the squirrel took inspiration from Invader Zim, how members of the Twee subculture expressed their love of whimsical animals to signal their individuality, and how Boxxy managed to do the “rawr xD” sound in real life.

 

Links: I'm So Random / Lol So Random / So Random Know Your Meme page Baby Cha-Cha (1996) The Spirit of Christmas (1995) We Didn't Start This Website (2007) Amytiville Toaster from Neurotically Yours Peanut Butter Jelly Time (2002) Badger Badger Badger (2003) The Kitty Cat Dance (2004)  Twee Aesthetics Wiki page FOAR EVERYWUN FRUM BOXXY by Boxxy  Whatever Happened to Boxxy? Giant isopods eating doritos Software2050 Instagram page Leave Britney Alone (2007) Chris Crocker, 'Leave Britney Alone' Video Creator, Reflects On What's Changed by Sharon Pruitt-Young Story from North America (2009)

 

Artwork: Foamy the Squirrel from Neurotically Yours

 

Recorded on 2/9/2025