Hyperpigmentation Meme: Meaning, Origin, And Why It’s All Over TikTok
The Hyperpigmentation meme is the latest viral trend making waves across TikTok, bringing together wholesome laughter and mother-daughter banter. This quirky phrase comes from a heartfelt and hilarious video filmed in 2019—but it’s only now gaining massive traction.
The meme features Sonia Tiebi and her daughter sharing a light moment about a less-than-perfect drawing, and a single line—”What’s that? Is that hyperpigmentation?”—has sparked a wave of comedic edits, parodies, and reactions online.
The video has since been reposted across YouTube, Twitter (now X), and TikTok, where millions of users are repurposing the moment to describe everything from bad makeup to awkward selfies.
Let’s dive into the origin, spread, and impact of this unexpected and delightfully weird meme that everyone can’t stop quoting. Spoiler alert: it’s not really about skin care.
What Is the Hyperpigmentation Meme?
The Hyperpigmentation meme stems from a moment in a viral video where a mom, trying not to laugh at her daughter’s drawing of her, blurts out the now-iconic phrase. It’s become a humorous way to react to anything awkward, unflattering, or just plain goofy.
Online, the phrase is often paired with images, video clips, or voiceovers where someone reacts dramatically to something imperfect—especially anything related to appearance.
Rather than discussing actual skin discoloration, the meme uses the term hyperpigmentation as an absurd overreaction or punchline.
Where Did the Hyperpigmentation Meme Come From?
The meme originated from a video filmed by Sonia Tiebi on May 4, 2019, in Omaha, Nebraska. The scene captures a candid exchange between Tiebi and her daughter after the child shows a sketch of her mom.
Sonia, holding back laughter, tries to reassure her daughter despite the drawing being hilariously off. After complimenting it with lines like, “I’ve never looked better,” she suddenly asks, “What’s that? Is that hyperpigmentation?”
The video was later uploaded by ViralHog on YouTube in June 2019. Sonia reportedly also shared it on her X (formerly Twitter) account shortly after. Since then, it became a low-key internet gem—until TikTok gave it new life.
What Does Hyperpigmentation Mean?
In dermatological terms, hyperpigmentation refers to patches of skin that become darker than the surrounding areas due to excess melanin. It can result from sun exposure, acne scars, or inflammation.
However, in the context of the meme, the term is completely misused—intentionally so. Sonia Tiebi uses “hyperpigmentation” not to refer to a real skin condition but as a humorous deflection from criticizing her daughter’s questionable drawing. The joke lies in the absurdity of applying a scientific term to a scribbled facial feature.
This misapplication has become the foundation of the meme’s appeal, as people now use it jokingly to refer to anything that looks “off,” “wrong,” or “dark in the wrong place.”
How Is the hyperpigmentation Meme Used on TikTok and Social Media?
The hyperpigmentation meme quickly went viral on social media. People use it in many cases, for example, Reaction Clips, Makeup and Beauty Parodies, Childhood Drawing Trends and Meme Templates and Captions.
Check them out below:
- Reaction Clips
TikTokers use the original audio to narrate or duet videos showing photos or moments where someone looks unusual or unflattering.
- Makeup and Beauty Parodies
Creators show botched makeup attempts, comparing it to the moment in the video—cue: “What’s that? Is that hyperpigmentation?”
- Childhood Drawing Trends
Parents and kids recreate the drawing moment, showing funny sketches and awkward portraits with the iconic line dubbed over.
- Meme Templates and Captions
On Twitter, Instagram, and Reddit, the quote is used as a sarcastic reaction to images that look nothing like their subjects.
Meme Evolution and Variations
Variants of the hyperpigmentation meme are beauty influencer spoofs, drawing challenge remakes, caption memes and audio remixes.
They are listed below:
Beauty Influencer Spoofs: TikTok users dub the line over beauty tutorials gone wrong.
Drawing Challenge Remakes: Families recreate the scene to hilarious effect.
Caption Memes: Used to mock bad filters or off-color Instagram edits.
Audio Remixes: Creators remix the line with music or pair it with movie scenes.
As the meme spreads, it evolves into a playful shorthand for reacting to anything awkward, badly drawn, or aesthetically cursed.
FAQs About the Hyperpigmentation Meme
What does “hyperpigmentation” mean in the meme?
It’s used humorously—not literally—to comment on something odd or funny in a drawing or appearance.
What does hyperpigmentation mean in slang?
In the context of this meme, it’s slang for any random dark patch or odd flaw, used to jokingly criticize awkward or off-looking parts of an image.
Why is the drawing called hyperpigmentation?
Sonia uses the term as a funny deflection while reacting to her daughter’s less-than-flattering drawing. It’s not about skincare—it’s comedic exaggeration.
Conclusion
The Hyperpigmentation meme proves how a sincere, funny moment can echo across the internet and become a cultural shorthand. What started as a mother trying to boost her daughter’s confidence became one of TikTok’s most beloved soundbites.
With its mix of realness, humor, and viral potential, this meme isn’t fading anytime soon. So next time your eyeliner smudges or your selfie flops—just say it: “What’s that? Is that hyperpigmentation?”
