How did Kermit the Frog sipping tea become an internet icon? Where did it all begin? Learn the history behind the infamous meme.
Ah, the internet—an endless parade of cat videos, viral challenges, and memes. Among the meme royalty stands a humble amphibian: Kermit the Frog, sipping tea with a look that says, “But that’s none of my business.” How did this unassuming Muppet become a symbol of passive-aggressive observation? Let’s dive into Kermit’s tea-sipping history.
Kermit and Lipton Tea
In 2014, Lipton Tea released a commercial starring Kermit the Frog. In the ad, Kermit navigates through a chaotic scene of other Muppets behaving absurdly while he maintains his relaxed demeanor. The now-iconic image of Kermit sipping tea comes from this ad, capturing a moment of calm amidst the madness.
Like all great internet phenomena, it started on social media. Shortly after the commercial aired, users on platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Tumblr began to repurpose the image. The meme’s premise is simple: Kermit sips his tea, observing others’ drama or hypocrisy but claiming it’s “none of my business.”
By 2015, the Kermit sipping tea meme had solidified its place in internet culture. Celebrities, brands, and everyday users embraced it, further cementing its status in the meme hall of fame. It even inspired merchandise, from T-shirts to mugs, allowing people to literally sip tea like Kermit.
The Sip that Launched a Thousand Memes
In the ever-changing landscape of internet humor, few memes achieve the lasting impact of Kermit sipping tea. It’s a testament to the power of simplicity and relatability. So next time you see someone behaving ridiculously, just remember: it’s none of your business.
And that’s the tea.
