Lena Torres
What are those is a viral sound clip that originated from a 2015 video featuring a man repeatedly asking, What are those? while pointing at someone's shoes. The phrase quickly gained internet fame, becoming a popular meme and catchphrase used to mock or question someone's fashion choices, particularly their footwear. The sound clip has since been widely shared, remixed, and referenced across social media platforms, often accompanied by humorous or sarcastic commentary. Its enduring popularity highlights the internet's ability to transform mundane moments into cultural phenomena, making what are those a recognizable and entertaining piece of digital folklore.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Origin | Viral video from 2015 |
| Location | Seattle, Washington, USA |
| Person | Brandon Moore (aka "What Are Those Guy") |
| Context | Confrontation with a police officer about his shoes |
| Phrase | "What are those?!" (repeatedly) |
| Tone | Aggressive, mocking |
| Duration | Approximately 15 seconds |
| Platform | Originally on Vine, later spread to YouTube, Twitter, etc. |
| Popularity | Became a widely recognized meme and catchphrase |
| Cultural Impact | Used to mock or question someone's fashion choices, especially shoes |
| Variations | Numerous remixes, parodies, and adaptations |
| Legacy | Continues to be referenced in internet culture and media |
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What You'll Learn
Origin of the clip
The "what are those" sound clip, a phrase uttered in disbelief by a man observing a peculiar pair of shoes, originated from a 2015 viral video. Filmed in a public space, likely a mall or street, the clip captures an impromptu interaction between the cameraman and an individual wearing unconventional footwear. The man’s tone—a blend of confusion, amusement, and mild exasperation—transforms a mundane question into a meme-worthy moment. This raw, unscripted exchange highlights how authenticity often fuels viral content, as audiences gravitate toward relatable, unfiltered human reactions.
Analyzing the clip’s rise reveals a perfect storm of timing and platform dynamics. Shared initially on Vine, a now-defunct platform known for its six-second looping videos, the clip’s brevity and repetition amplified its comedic impact. Vine’s algorithm favored content that could be easily remixed, parodied, or referenced, and "what are those" quickly became a cultural shorthand for questioning absurdity. Its migration to other platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube ensured its longevity, as users adapted the phrase to critique everything from fashion choices to political decisions.
To trace the clip’s origin further, consider the socio-cultural context of 2015. The mid-2010s saw a surge in streetwear and sneaker culture, with brands like Yeezy and Off-White pushing boundaries in footwear design. The man’s incredulous reaction to the shoes in question—rumored to be a pair of Nike Rift trainers—tapped into a broader public discourse about what constitutes "acceptable" fashion. This tension between mainstream and niche aesthetics made the clip a lightning rod for debates about taste, identity, and consumerism.
Practical takeaways from the clip’s origin include the importance of capturing spontaneity in content creation. Unlike polished, scripted videos, the "what are those" moment thrives on its improvisational nature. For creators, this suggests that investing in high-quality equipment to record everyday interactions could yield unexpected viral material. Additionally, understanding platform-specific trends—like Vine’s emphasis on loops—can maximize a clip’s reach. Finally, aligning content with ongoing cultural conversations, as this clip did with sneaker culture, increases its resonance and shareability.
In conclusion, the "what are those" sound clip’s origin is a masterclass in viral content creation. Born from a spontaneous encounter, amplified by platform mechanics, and rooted in cultural relevance, it demonstrates how a single phrase can transcend its original context to become a lasting meme. By studying its genesis, creators can glean actionable insights into crafting content that captures the zeitgeist and stands the test of time.
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Viral spread on social media
The "What are those?" sound clip, originating from a 2015 viral video of a man incredulously reacting to a pair of unconventional shoes, has become a cultural touchstone. Its resurgence and widespread use across social media platforms illustrate the unpredictable nature of viral content. Unlike carefully crafted marketing campaigns, this clip’s spread was organic, fueled by user creativity and platform algorithms. Understanding its trajectory offers insights into how seemingly trivial content can dominate digital conversations.
Analyzing the clip’s spread reveals a pattern common to viral phenomena: brevity, relatability, and adaptability. The phrase "What are those?" is concise, making it easy to repurpose in memes, TikTok videos, and Twitter threads. Its versatility allowed users to apply it to various contexts—from mocking fashion choices to critiquing political decisions. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram amplified its reach by auto-suggesting the clip in trending challenges, creating a feedback loop of engagement. For content creators, the takeaway is clear: simplicity and flexibility are key to virality.
To replicate this kind of spread, consider these actionable steps: first, identify a short, memorable phrase or soundbite with broad applicability. Second, leverage trending hashtags or challenges to increase visibility. Third, encourage user-generated content by leaving room for interpretation or parody. However, caution against over-saturation; viral content often peaks quickly, and prolonged use can lead to audience fatigue. Monitor engagement metrics to know when to pivot or retire the clip.
Comparatively, the "What are those?" clip’s longevity contrasts with other viral trends that fizzle out within days. Its staying power lies in its ability to evolve with cultural shifts. For instance, during the 2020 election season, the phrase was repurposed to critique policy proposals, demonstrating its adaptability. This contrasts with one-off viral moments like the "Distracted Boyfriend" meme, which, while popular, lacked the same transformative potential. Marketers and creators should note: content that can be reimagined across contexts has a higher chance of sustained relevance.
Descriptively, the clip’s spread resembles a digital wildfire, ignited by a single spark but fueled by countless hands. Its journey from a niche Vine video to a global meme underscores the democratization of content creation. Anyone with a smartphone and an idea can contribute to its evolution, whether through a satirical tweet or a choreographed dance. This participatory nature is what makes social media virality both unpredictable and powerful. For those aiming to harness this power, the lesson is to create content that invites collaboration rather than passive consumption.
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Memes and cultural impact
The "What Are Those?" sound clip, originating from a 2015 viral video of a man incredulously questioning another’s unusual footwear, has transcended its humble beginnings to become a cultural touchstone. Memes, by their nature, amplify and distort the original context, and this clip is no exception. Its brevity and the speaker’s exaggerated delivery make it a versatile tool for humor, allowing it to be layered onto countless scenarios where disbelief or confusion is the punchline. From mocking absurd fashion choices to critiquing political decisions, the meme’s adaptability highlights how digital culture repurposes fragments of reality into universal jokes. This phenomenon underscores the role of memes as modern folklore, where shared references create a collective identity.
Analyzing the clip’s cultural impact reveals its function as a mirror to societal norms. The phrase "What Are Those?" has evolved into a shorthand for questioning the absurd or out of place, reflecting our collective tendency to police norms—whether in fashion, behavior, or ideas. Memes like this thrive because they tap into the human need to categorize and judge, often humorously. However, this dynamic also raises questions about the line between playful critique and harmful ridicule. The meme’s persistence suggests that while it serves as a bonding mechanism, it also perpetuates a culture of judgment, albeit in a seemingly harmless package.
To leverage the "What Are Those?" meme effectively, consider its context and audience. For marketers or content creators, pairing the clip with relatable, lighthearted scenarios can boost engagement, but caution is advised: overusing it risks diluting its impact. Educators or cultural analysts might explore it as a case study in how digital media reshapes language and humor. For individuals, understanding its roots adds depth to its usage, ensuring it’s employed thoughtfully rather than as a mindless trend. The key is to recognize its power as a cultural artifact, not just a joke.
Comparing this meme to others reveals its unique staying power. Unlike memes tied to specific events or personalities, "What Are Those?" endures because it’s rooted in a universal emotion: bewilderment. Its simplicity allows it to outlive fleeting trends, embedding itself into the lexicon of internet humor. This contrasts with more niche memes that fade as their context becomes outdated. By studying its longevity, we learn that memes with broad emotional appeal—rather than those tied to specific moments—are more likely to become cultural fixtures.
Descriptively, the meme’s visual and auditory elements contribute to its memorability. The speaker’s animated expression and the rhythmic delivery of the phrase create a multisensory experience that lingers in the mind. This sensory impact is a hallmark of effective memes, which often rely on repetition and exaggeration to leave a lasting impression. In a world saturated with content, the "What Are Those?" clip stands out by engaging both sight and sound, making it a masterclass in how to create a viral moment. Its enduring presence in digital conversations is a testament to the power of simplicity in capturing cultural imagination.
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Original context and creator
The "What are those?" sound clip, a phrase uttered by Brandon Moore in a 2014 Vine video, emerged from a spontaneous moment of confusion and humor. Moore, while filming a friend’s dance, noticed a pair of unusual shoes and blurted out the now-iconic question. This six-second clip, created on the defunct platform Vine, captured the essence of relatable, everyday bewilderment. Its simplicity and universality—who hasn’t paused to ask "What are those?" upon seeing something odd—laid the foundation for its viral spread. Moore’s unintentional creation became a cultural touchstone, proving that authenticity often trumps planned content in the digital age.
Analyzing the clip’s original context reveals its genius in mundane specificity. The setting was casual: a street, a dance, and an offhand remark. Moore’s delivery—genuine curiosity tinged with mild disbelief—resonated because it mirrored how people naturally react to the unfamiliar. This raw, unscripted quality made it ripe for reinterpretation. Unlike polished memes, its charm lay in its imperfection, a reminder that viral content doesn’t require high production value or elaborate planning. It was a moment plucked from life, stripped of artifice, and shared with the world.
To recreate a similar phenomenon, focus on capturing unfiltered human reactions. Keep your recording device handy during everyday interactions, as Moore did, and be ready to document the unexpected. Avoid overthinking or staging moments; authenticity is key. For instance, if someone in your group makes a quirky comment or reacts oddly to an object, hit record. The goal isn’t to manufacture humor but to spotlight the humor already present in ordinary situations. Moore’s success wasn’t in his intent but in his ability to preserve a fleeting moment of shared confusion.
A cautionary note: while the clip’s virality brought Moore recognition, it also led to oversaturation and misuse. The phrase was co-opted in ways that sometimes lost its original spirit, becoming a punchline detached from its roots. Creators should be mindful of how their content evolves in the public sphere. To maintain integrity, consider adding context or follow-up content that ties back to the original intent. For example, Moore could have shared stories about the shoes or the friend in the video, grounding the meme in its personal origins.
In conclusion, the "What are those?" sound clip exemplifies how a fleeting, genuine moment can transcend its creator’s intent. Brandon Moore’s accidental masterpiece teaches us that viral content often thrives on relatability and simplicity. By embracing the unscripted and staying true to its roots, creators can craft moments that resonate far beyond their original context. The takeaway? Keep your eyes—and your camera—open for life’s small, curious instances; they might just become the next cultural catchphrase.
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Public reactions and parodies
The "what are those" sound clip, originating from a viral video of a man incredulously questioning a police officer about his footwear, has become a cultural touchstone for public mockery and creative reinterpretation. Its simplicity—a single, exasperated phrase—has made it a versatile tool for parody, allowing users to insert it into various contexts for comedic effect. From TikTok to YouTube, the clip has been spliced into everything from movie scenes to political debates, amplifying moments of absurdity or disbelief. This widespread adoption highlights how a seemingly mundane interaction can evolve into a shared language of humor.
One of the most intriguing aspects of public reactions to the "what are those" clip is its role as a social equalizer. Regardless of age, background, or internet savvy, the phrase resonates because it taps into a universal experience: the moment of questioning something so baffling it defies explanation. Memes and videos featuring the clip often garner millions of views, with comments sections filled with variations of "I can’t stop saying this" or "This never gets old." Its enduring appeal lies in its ability to transform frustration into laughter, making it a go-to for anyone seeking to highlight life’s ridiculous moments.
Parodies of the clip have taken on a life of their own, evolving beyond mere repetition into a form of commentary. For instance, creators have used it to mock questionable fashion choices, absurd product designs, or even political decisions. A notable example is a video overlaying the clip onto a clip of a politician’s controversial statement, amplifying the public’s collective disbelief. This repurposing demonstrates how the phrase has become a shorthand for critique, allowing users to express dissent or confusion in a culturally recognizable way.
To leverage the "what are those" clip effectively in your own parodies, consider these practical tips: first, identify a moment of genuine absurdity—the more outlandish, the better. Second, ensure the timing is precise; the clip’s impact relies heavily on its delivery. Third, experiment with context; placing it in unexpected scenarios (e.g., historical events or fictional universes) can yield fresh humor. Finally, keep it concise—overuse dilutes its punch. By following these steps, you can join the ranks of creators who’ve turned this five-word phrase into a global punchline.
The takeaway from the public’s embrace of the "what are those" sound clip is its power as a cultural meme. It’s not just a joke; it’s a reflection of how we process confusion and absurdity in an increasingly chaotic world. Its parodies serve as both entertainment and social commentary, proving that sometimes, the simplest phrases can carry the heaviest weight. As long as there are baffling shoes—or decisions—to question, this clip will likely remain a staple of internet humor.
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Frequently asked questions
The "What are those" sound clip is a viral audio snippet originating from a 2015 video where a man repeatedly asks a police officer, "What are those?" while pointing at the officer's boots. The phrase and its delivery became a popular internet meme.
The clip features Brandon Moore, also known as "What Are Those Guy," who approached a police officer in New York City and repeatedly asked, "What are those?" in reference to the officer's boots. The video was uploaded to YouTube and quickly went viral.
The clip gained popularity due to its repetitive and comedic nature, as well as the unexpected interaction between Moore and the police officer. It was widely shared, remixed, and referenced in memes, videos, and music across social media platforms.
The sound clip is still used in memes, TikTok videos, and other forms of online content. It’s often paired with humorous or unexpected visuals, and the phrase "What are those?" has become a cultural reference to question or mock someone’s choice of footwear or other items.
