Chances are you’ve seen the “How Do You Do, Fellow Kids?” meme pop up online — that hilarious moment from 30 Rock where Steve Buscemi’s character tries (and fails) to blend in with teenagers. This awkward, yet relatable phrase has become a symbol of generational miscommunication and internet humor. In this guide, we’ll break down its origins, cultural impact, and how you can make your own version of this iconic meme..
What Is the “How Do You Do, Fellow Kids?” Meme?
The “How Do You Do, Fellow Kids?” meme is a humorous internet phenomenon that showcases the awkwardness of an older individual or group trying to fit in with a younger generation. It derives from a specific scene in 30 Rock, where Steve Buscemi’s character, in an undercover operation, attempts to blend in with high school students by adopting the language and mannerisms of a teenager. His delivery of the phrase, “How do you do, fellow kids?” is a comedic highlight, symbolizing the failure to genuinely connect with a different age group. This phrase has since been adopted as a meme, commonly used to poke fun at people or brands trying too hard to appear youthful and trendy.
The Origins: How It All Started on 30 Rock
The birth of the “How Do You Do, Fellow Kids?” meme traces back to 30 Rock, a TV show that aired from 2006 to 2013. In Season 6, Episode 8, titled “The Tuxedo Begins,” Steve Buscemi plays an undercover cop who is attempting to blend in with teenagers. Dressed in a backwards baseball cap, graphic T-shirt, and carrying a skateboard, his character delivers the line, “How do you do, fellow kids?” in a comically exaggerated manner. The scene is an awkward attempt to mimic youth culture, and this moment quickly became a meme after fans began sharing the image online.
The phrase perfectly encapsulates how out of touch the character is with the teenagers around him. What started as a joke on television quickly gained momentum across various social media platforms, eventually becoming an iconic phrase in meme culture.
The Meme’s Rise to Fame: From 30 Rock to Internet Sensation
After the episode aired, the meme began circulating across internet forums like Reddit, Tumblr, and 4chan. Social media users saw the scene’s potential as a humorous commentary on the generational gap between young people and older adults. As people continued to share the meme, it adapted to fit different contexts. In particular, the phrase “How do you do, fellow kids?” became associated with brands, companies, and individuals attempting to connect with younger audiences in a forced, often cringeworthy manner.
As memes tend to do, it didn’t take long for this specific instance to morph into countless variations. What began as a simple line from 30 Rock soon turned into a multi-purpose internet tool. Internet users began incorporating their own images of out-of-touch older people, celebrities, and even corporate brands trying to appear youthful.
Why Has the Meme Stood the Test of Time?
The success of the “How Do You Do, Fellow Kids?” meme can be attributed to its relatability. In a world where generational differences are often exaggerated, this meme taps into a common experience: the discomfort of trying to fit into a culture that’s not your own. The meme’s awkward humor appeals to everyone who has ever found themselves in a situation where they are trying (and failing) to connect with a younger or different crowd.
Moreover, the meme has found its place in pop culture, particularly among those who enjoy making fun of brand attempts to seem “hip” or “cool” for marketing purposes. It’s not just a meme, but a sharp commentary on authenticity in the digital age. Businesses who adopt memes to reach Gen Z or Millennial audiences often risk coming off as out-of-touch, and “How Do You Do, Fellow Kids?” perfectly encapsulates this phenomenon.
How “How Do You Do, Fellow Kids?” Has Been Used by Brands
Many brands have either embraced or inadvertently embodied the essence of this meme. For example, a social media post made by a brand attempting to engage with younger audiences may come across as insincere or patronizing. This can lead to backlash, especially if the brand is too obviously trying to fit in. The “How Do You Do, Fellow Kids?” meme is often shared as a response to such attempts, poking fun at the lack of authenticity.
One notable example is when a major fast-food chain posted a tweet attempting to appeal to a younger audience by referencing a popular internet meme. The post was quickly met with responses using the “How Do You Do, Fellow Kids?” meme, pointing out that the brand’s attempt at relatability fell flat. It’s a perfect demonstration of how a meme born out of awkwardness can be used to critique companies trying too hard to fit in.
Making Your Own “How Do You Do, Fellow Kids?” Meme
Creating your own version of the “How Do You Do, Fellow Kids?” meme is easier than you might think. All you need is a photo of someone trying to fit into a group or culture they don’t belong to, and the famous phrase. Here’s a quick guide on how to do it:
- Pick your image: Find an image that screams “out of place” or “awkward.” It could be a photo of someone clearly trying too hard to fit in or of a celebrity in an unfamiliar context.
- Add the text: Use meme-generating websites like Imgflip or Meme Generator to add the text, “How do you do, fellow kids?” to your image. You can adjust the font and text size to match the tone.
- Share it online: Post your creation on social media platforms like Twitter, Reddit, or Instagram for others to enjoy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What does the “How Do You Do, Fellow Kids?” meme mean?
The meme represents an awkward attempt by an older person or group to fit in with a younger generation. It highlights the humorous and often cringe-worthy nature of these attempts, typically by people who are out of touch with modern youth culture.
Where did the “How Do You Do, Fellow Kids?” meme originate?
The meme originated from a scene in 30 Rock, where Steve Buscemi’s character, in an attempt to blend in with teenagers, says, “How do you do, fellow kids?” The awkwardness of the scene quickly made it a viral meme.
Why is the “How Do You Do, Fellow Kids?” meme so popular?
The meme resonates with people because it humorously captures the discomfort of trying to connect with a younger group when you’re not part of their culture. It’s relatable and often used to comment on attempts by brands or individuals to be “hip” or “cool.”
Can I use the “How Do You Do, Fellow Kids?” meme in my marketing?
Using this meme in marketing can be effective if done carefully. However, brands must ensure that their use of the meme comes across as self-aware and not forced. When done correctly, it can show that the brand understands internet culture and is not trying too hard to fit in.
Has the “How Do You Do, Fellow Kids?” meme been referenced in popular media?
Yes, the meme has appeared in various forms of media, including TV shows, films, and even in references by celebrities. Its popularity has led to appearances beyond the original 30 Rock context, becoming a part of pop culture.
Conclusion
The “How Do You Do, Fellow Kids?” meme has proven to be more than just a fleeting joke from 30 Rock. It’s become a symbol of generational humor, a commentary on authenticity, and a critique of out-of-touch attempts to relate to younger generations.
Whether you’re laughing at corporate brands trying too hard or creating your own version of the meme, it remains a powerful tool for internet humor. As it continues to evolve, the meme will undoubtedly find new ways to capture the awkwardness and charm of trying to fit in, making it a lasting part of meme culture.
