Ever Whispered “I Got One More in Me” Before Doing Something Ridiculous?
Confession time. Last week, after three back-to-back birthday dinners, I found myself standing in front of a dessert table at yet another friend’s party. My stomach was yelling “please, no,” but my soul whispered: I got one more in me. That’s when it hit me—this isn’t just a meme. It’s a whole mood. A lifestyle.
A rallying cry for those of us constantly doing the most, even when we absolutely shouldn’t. If you’ve ever said this while opening another energy drink, agreeing to “one last round,” or hitting send on a risky text—you already know what this means.
And if you’ve seen Vince Carter’s tired yet determined face as he utters the words courtside, then you understand why this meme hits so hard.
So, what’s the deal with the i got one more in me phenomenon? Let’s break it down like your favorite TikTok explainer, but with more sass and cultural substance.
What Does “I Got One More in Me” Actually Mean?
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At its core, i got one more in me is the internet’s favorite way of saying: “I’m tired, I’m spent, but damn it, I’m doing this anyway.” It’s equal parts grit and comedy. Originating from a now-iconic Vince Carter courtside clip, the meme quickly became shorthand for that last-ditch effort we all know too well.
But unlike the toxic hustle mantras of years past, this one gets you. It’s not about conquering mountains or grinding 24/7. It’s about barely surviving the week and still making space for one more slice, one more scroll, one more story.
The beauty lies in the duality. It’s used when we’re heroic (one more shift, boss) or totally chaotic (one more ex I’ll text tonight). And the internet has eaten it up.
Why Did This Meme Go So Viral?
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The i got one more in me moment feels so universally relatable that it practically sells itself. It’s the exhausted student finishing a paper at 3 a.m.
It’s the gamer on their fifth “final match.” It’s the uncle who insists on lifting heavy furniture despite his back screaming in protest. The reason it took off? Vince Carter’s delivery. His tone—humble but a little smug—was meme fuel.
The visual alone gives you everything you need: the vibe of someone who knows they shouldn’t, but will anyway. And that’s all of us at some point. Plus, let’s be honest, the timing was perfect. This meme popped during a cultural shift where burnout, hustle culture backlash, and self-aware humor collided online. People weren’t pretending to be superheroes anymore. We started owning our exhaustion like a badge of honor—and the meme matched that mood.
Where Can You Spot “I Got One More in Me” in the Wild?
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Oh honey, everywhere. It’s living its best life across Twitter, TikTok, Instagram, Reddit, and group chats you probably shouldn’t open at work.
Some of my favorite sightings?
- That gym bro video captioned “after five sets of curls…”
- A tired mom packing yet another lunchbox: “I got one more in me”
- Or my personal favorite: the chaotic dating meme—“One more swipe left before I throw my phone in the ocean.”
It’s been used in sports commentary, food challenges, chaotic workdays, and even political memes. That range? Oscar-worthy.
How to Make the Most of I Got One More in Me
First, understand this is more than a meme. It’s a personal mantra for semi-functional adults. Use it wisely.
Start by embracing it when you’re hitting that mental wall—whether it’s a work deadline, a toddler meltdown, or your third rewatch of a guilty pleasure series. Channel your inner Vince Carter. Look off into the distance. Say the line. Then do the damn thing.
Want to go next level? Add it to your lexicon. Say it out loud at brunch before ordering more mimosas. Use it at work just loud enough for your cubicle neighbor to laugh. Drop it in the group chat when someone dares you to karaoke Britney Spears one more time.
The key is owning your chaos and making peace with your persistence. You’re not trying to be perfect. You’re just out here surviving fabulously.
What Makes “I Got One More in Me” So Addictively Funny?
Because it’s not just about determination—it’s about the comedy of trying. It taps into that laughable moment when we know we should quit, but we roll the dice anyway.
It’s funny because it’s true.
The humor is dry, almost deadpan. It doesn’t scream “look at me grinding!” like old-school motivation memes. It whispers, “Yeah… this might be a bad idea… but here we go.” That tone is what makes it golden.
And it’s totally adaptable. Whatever your personality or mood, there’s a one more in me scenario that fits.
FAQs About “I Got One More in Me”
1. Who originally said “I got one more in me”?
That would be NBA legend Vince Carter. The phrase comes from a clip where he says it courtside during his final seasons in the league. It wasn’t planned or dramatic—just a moment of pure, weary honesty that the internet turned into a rallying cry.
2. Why do people use it in funny situations?
Because it’s a perfect blend of irony and motivation. Saying “I got one more in me” when you’re doing something absurd adds a layer of humor that instantly makes the situation more relatable—and sharable.
3. Is it only a sports meme?
Not at all. It started in the sports world, but it’s since become a go-to phrase in pop culture, work-life, parenting, dating, and even online shopping memes. Anywhere people are pushing themselves just a little too far, it fits.
4. How do I use it on social media?
Caption your next tired selfie. Post it over a chaotic cooking attempt. Or throw it on a TikTok of you failing (spectacularly) at yoga. The beauty is, you don’t need context—just timing and attitude.
Final Scoop Before You Jump In
If you’re still asking whether this meme deserves your attention, let me offer you this: i got one more in me is the spiritual cousin of every millennial and Gen Z soul just trying to stay functional in a world on fire.
It’s scrappy, self-aware, and weirdly uplifting. It’s the shrug you give before pouring that 4th iced coffee. It’s the quiet heroism of folding laundry after a 12-hour shift. It’s all of us—laughing, coping, and pushing forward with just a smidge of grace and a ton of memes.
So next time you’re on the brink—physically, emotionally, or snack-wise—channel your inner Vince. Lift your chin, smirk just a little, and remind yourself: I got one more in me.
And you probably do.
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