Popcat
Origin
Popcat is based on a 2020 photo and GIF of a cat named Oatmeal opening its mouth in a wide, satisfying ‘pop.’ The clip was turned into a viral clicking game hosted at popcat.click, where every click pops the cat’s mouth open and shut. The game tallied clicks by country, so nations effectively competed for the highest total number of pops, giving the simple cat image a surprisingly global reach.
Meaning & usage
The open-and-closed mouth is used as a reaction for hype, excitement, and emphasis, mimicking a quick pop of enthusiasm. As a clicking game it became a lighthearted international competition and a low-stakes way for online communities to rally around their country. At heart it is a pure, silly piece of internet delight with no deeper meaning.
Notable examples
The clicking game’s country leaderboard drove much of its virality, with communities organizing to boost their nation’s pop count. The two-frame open and closed image is also widely used on its own as an excited reaction.
Examples & gallery
Frequently asked
What is Popcat?
It is a meme based on a 2020 image of a cat named Oatmeal opening its mouth in a 'pop,' which became a viral clicking game.
How did the Popcat clicking game work?
At popcat.click, each click popped the cat's mouth open and shut, and clicks were tallied by country so nations competed for the most pops.
What does Popcat mean as a reaction?
The popping mouth is used to express hype, excitement, or emphasis.
Sources
Embed this meme
Drop this on your site — it links back here.
