A man kicks an alligator – this image is currently spreading virally on social media and the rest of the Internet. This is the so-called „Alligator Kick“ meme, in which a topless black man kicks a full-grown alligator, causing it to run away. The meme itself is not quite real, but created with artificial intelligence, but looks deceptively real. With this meme, the incredible possibilities of artificial intelligence become visible for the first time – which is one of the reasons why the „Alligator Kick“ meme is currently spreading so rapidly.
Funny, breathtaking and somehow a bit cool. That’s certainly the best way to describe the „Alligator Kick“ meme. But what does the meme itself stand for and what exactly is its origin? The following article is intended to provide a comprehensive explanation. It will also provide interesting information on the social classification and criticism of the „alligator meme“.
Interpretation of the term „Alligator Kick“
The term „Alligator Kick“ meme originates from the English language and is composed of the words „alligator“, „kick“ and „meme“. Combined, the „alligator kick“ meme could therefore be translated as „funny alligator kicking picture“.
This admittedly rather strange translation certainly describes the content of the viral meme best. The image, which was created with the help of artificial intelligence, shows a corpulent black man kicking a full-grown alligator with a karate kick – which in itself is impossible or far too dangerous.
The picture itself is accompanied by a corresponding video in which the character simply kicks away other wild animals. This supernatural simulation is also based on artificial intelligence and has an entertaining and fascinating effect on viewers.
Word origin and meaning of „Alligator Kick“
The text and image for the „Alligator Kick“ meme were created by Artificial Intelligence – in this case, by image creation chatbots. The original was created by Uncle Mike’s Photography and illustrates a black, topless man gleefully eating a pizza on the beach. Soon he gets an uninvited visit from several alligators. A short time later, they are not only after his pizza, but also the man himself. In his distress the black man does not know how to help himself and kicks the aggressive alligators several times in front of the head. In this way, he is able to hold his own against the alligators, who then run away – and without his pizza.
The meme, which was created with the help of artificial intelligence, received more than 13,000 reactions in the original post on Instagram. At the same time, other images were created showing the fat black man in the swamp, which also went viral. In the meantime, the meme has become a popular image for situations in which he or she has to face a hopeless fight over trifles. In this respect, the „Alligator Kick“ meme encourages people to face even supposedly superior opponents bravely and resolutely.
Use of the „Alligator Kick“ meme in different contexts
The „Alligator Kick“ meme first originated as an individual AI project and then spread virally in the following areas:
- on Twitter, Instagram and YouTube
- on Reddit
- in everyday life
The above uses of the „Alligator Kick“ meme are further detailed in the subsections below.
Twitter, Instagram and YouTube
The creator first posted the „Alligator Kick“ meme on his personal Instagram profile. From there, it spread virally and was used by many users to create funny memes from then on. In the process, the term „alligator kick“ was also spread. This now appears relatively frequently in video and image descriptions and as a hashtag. Due to its widespread use on social media, the „Alligator Kick“ meme later spilled over into other areas of everyday life.
On Reddit, the „alligator kick“ meme is especially popular in the gaming and investment context. Here, the meme is used as a comment in digital conversations, as a group picture or as a funny interlude. Individual users then use the template to create their own memes tailored to individual situations.
Everyday life
Last but not least, the meme „Alligator Kick“ is sometimes also used relatively frequently in everyday life. In particular, it is spread via instant messaging services such as WhatsApp. Likewise, people like to talk about the meme, which is why it is also the subject of many everyday conversations.
Social classification of the „Alligator Kick“ meme
In the social context, the „Alligator Kick“ meme can be assigned to rather younger generations, such as generations Y, Z and Alpha. These are mostly younger than 35 years old and belong to the main target group of Twitter, Instagram, etc. The meme is understood by these people on the one hand, and is also disseminated by them on the other. Older people often do not understand the meme – this also applies to the hype surrounding the meme itself.
Critical view of the „Alligator Kick“ meme
Since this meme is a meme created with the help of artificial intelligence, it is sometimes strongly criticized by many people. It does not correspond to reality, but still encourages people to copy it, which is of course highly dangerous. Furthermore, the educational added value of the „Alligator Kick“ meme is strongly doubted. The image would show a half-naked man kicking one or more alligators, which in itself is not only unrealistic, but also immoral and reprehensible. Furthermore, the meme is described by critics as pointless and yet another social media trend that you don’t necessarily have to participate in.
Conclusion on the topic of the „Alligator Kick“ meme and similar examples
The bottom line is that the „Alligator Kick“ meme represents another Internet phenomenon that is currently spreading virally on Twitter, Instagram and other platforms. It shows a topless black man kicking several alligators on the beach after they had taken aim at his food (a pizza) or at him. The meme was created with the help of artificial intelligence and is not real. It is also heavily criticized by critics for being unrealistic and anti-animal.
Related to the „Alligator Kick“ meme are the „Black Smurf Cat“ and the „Praise Spez / Heil Spez“ memes, among others. While the „Black Smurf Cat“ meme is about a Russian cat with blue-black fur, the „Praise Spez / Heil Spez“ meme sarcastically refers to the Reddit CEO Steve „spez“ Huffman.