Fuck Them Kids Meme Explained: Meaning, Origin, Usage, And Variations
The Fuck Them Kids meme has become one of the most instantly recognizable and memeable expressions in modern internet culture. It’s a reaction, a mindset, a punchline—often paired with a grayscale photo of someone looking stone-cold serious. But it all started with a legend: Michael Jordan.
What began as a video of Jordan casually dominating a summer camp basketball challenge somehow turned into a quote that transcended its original context. It became the digital version of saying “I got mine.”
In this article, we dive into the roots of this ironic meme, its rise across Twitter and Instagram, and how it has been adapted to fit celebrities, pop culture icons, and savage punchlines alike.
If you’re wondering how one basketball shot snowballed into a viral motto for selfishness, satire, and savage humor, keep scrolling. You’re about to find out why the internet keeps saying, “Fuck them kids.”
What is the Fuck Them Kids Meme?
The Fuck Them Kids meme refers to an ironic, grayscale image macro, most often featuring basketball icon Michael Jordan, captioned with the quote: “Fuck them kids.” It’s used online to humorously justify selfish or absurd behavior, usually at the expense of children, responsibilities, or decency.
While the phrase is rarely literal, it’s a snarky reaction to anything involving charity, fairness, or altruism. Often shared as a sarcastic rebuttal, the meme fits neatly into the lineage of edgy, nihilistic internet humor.
Where Did the Fuck Them Kids Meme Come From?
The origin dates of the Fuck Them Kids meme back to July 30, 2016, when a video was uploaded by YouTube channel HoopJab, showing Michael Jordan making shot after shot at a youth basketball camp. The deal? If he missed three, everyone got free Air Jordans. He didn’t miss. The kids got nothing. Watch the original video here.
On September 4, 2018, Twitter user @killatex created a fake inspirational photo of Jordan overlaid with the phrase “Fuck them kids.” Though the tweet initially received only five likes, it set the tone for a new meme era.
The meme gained real traction after being used in a controversial Twitter thread by a user named @_kingneal (now suspended) who told the internet he left his wife and kids for another woman. He proudly inserted the “Fuck them kids” Jordan image to justify his actions. This thread, which later made it to Instagram via @officialmayorspeaks, sparked outrage and attention, giving the meme its cultural legs.
Meme Evolution: Spread and Celebrity Templates
The meme gained significant traction beginning in late 2018 and through 2019, evolving from a niche joke into a mainstream internet reaction format. Below are some major examples of its spread and transformation:
On November 22nd, 2018, Twitter user @RidiculousDak posted a Thanksgiving-themed meme captioned “Adults on Thanksgiving: ‘Let the kids eat first.’ Me: ‘Fuck them kids.'” The post received over 13,000 likes, showcasing the meme’s early reach as a humorous response to social norms.
On January 27th, 2019, popular Instagram meme page @whitepeoplehumor uploaded an image of someone at the checkout being asked to donate to starving children, paired with the caption “Fuck them kids.” It earned more than 44,800 likes, cementing the meme’s widespread appeal.
On November 21st, 2019, Redditor CallofDuty_NZ shared a dark humor version of the meme featuring Jeffrey Epstein on the subreddit /r/MemeEconomy. Though not widely upvoted, the post reflected how the meme was being adapted for edgy and controversial commentary.
On March 1st, 2020, Twitter user @WizardBelly671 used the meme in response to a Lakers basketball discussion. He replied to a tweet mentioning LeBron James trading younger players for Anthony Davis with a black-and-white image of Anakin Skywalker and the quote “Fuck them kids.” The post received over 3,400 likes, further proving the meme’s cultural flexibility.
From grayscale edits of Jordan to comedic adaptations involving celebrities, fictional characters, and athletes, these meme variations underscore its enduring memeability and satirical punch. The quote’s blunt delivery and visual pairing make it a go-to image for snarky, self-centered commentary.
How Is the Meme Used on Social Media?
The meme has since evolved far beyond Michael Jordan. It’s used across platforms like Twitter, Instagram, Reddit, and even TikTok in several major formats: Reaction Image, Celebrity Variations, Satirical Anecdotes and “If X Was a Person” Format.
The major formats are listed below:
1. Reaction Image
Used to comment on tweets or videos that involve children or difficult moral choices. Example: skipping donation prompts at checkout? “Fuck them kids.”
2. Celebrity Variations
Creators photoshop the phrase onto grayscale portraits of other celebrities:
- Anakin Skywalker (Star Wars)
- Russell Westbrook (NBA)
- Jeffrey Epstein (dark humor edition)
3. Satirical Anecdotes
Users recount outrageous stories of selfishness, ending with the punchline image.
4. “If X Was a Person” Format
A sub-genre emerged where users caption photos: “If ‘Fuck Them Kids’ was a person,” with absurd or smug photos to match the mood.
FAQs About the “Fuck Them Kids” Meme
Who originally said “Fuck them kids”?
No one. It’s a fake quote attributed to Michael Jordan as part of an ironic image macro.
Is the photo real?
Yes, it’s a real photo of Michael Jordan from a youth basketball camp, but the quote is made-up.
When did the meme start?
The image and phrase appeared online in 2018, gaining viral spread in 2019.
Is it offensive?
It can be, depending on context. It’s often used for humor but relies on sarcasm and dark irony.
Where can I find more variations?
Instagram meme pages like @whitepeoplehumor or Twitter meme threads.
Conclusion
The Fuck Them Kids meme captures peak internet sarcasm—combining meme culture, celebrity imagery, and a splash of dark humor. It all started with Jordan refusing to miss a shot and somehow morphed into a modern digital proverb.
Whether you’re mocking someone’s selfishness or embracing your own petty moment, this meme offers the perfect punchline. One photo. One fake quote. A million relatable uses.
Next time someone asks if you want to share your fries, just raise an eyebrow and whisper: “Fuck them kids.”
