5 Reasons The 'Big Things Coming' Meme Is Still The Internet's Favorite Ironic Mantra

As of December 16, 2025, the internet’s most persistent, universally applicable, and often deeply ironic catchphrase remains "Big Things Coming." This simple, four-word declaration has transcended the typical lifespan of a viral image, evolving from a simple teaser into a powerful, multifaceted *concept meme*. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its flexibility, allowing it to be deployed in contexts ranging from genuine self-improvement announcements to the most self-deprecating online humor. The phrase is a masterclass in digital anticipation, a cultural shorthand for the perpetual state of "almost there" that defines modern life. Whether it’s a major brand teasing a new product launch or a content creator hinting at a new YouTube series, the phrase is a guarantee of engagement. However, its most popular use is often the most humorous: an ironic proclamation of ambition just before a spectacular, yet relatable, failure.

The Viral History and Conceptual Origin of the Meme

Unlike many internet phenomena that are anchored to a single, identifiable image (like the "Distracted Boyfriend" or "Doge"), the "Big Things Coming" meme is fundamentally a textual and conceptual phenomenon, a true internet catchphrase that gained visual templates over time. This makes its history more about cultural adoption than a single viral moment.

From Video Game Tease to Internet Mantra

The core concept of "big things coming" has been used for decades in marketing and media, but its life as a meme proper began to solidify in the late 2010s. One of the early, specific meme origins can be traced to a meta-joke about a fictitious, over-hyped video game cover art, which perfectly satirized the vague, high-stakes announcements common in the gaming industry. [cite: 6 from step 1]

• The SMG4 Connection: The phrase was further popularized by a 2025 episode of the popular YouTube animated series SMG4, titled "Big Things Are Happening (AND TONS OF AWESOME FAN ART!)" [cite: 9, 10 from step 2]. This cemented the phrase within a massive, highly engaged online community, boosting its viral transmission across platforms.
• The Oprah Template: While no single image is dominant, the phrase is frequently paired with templates that convey grand, sweeping announcements, such as the "You Get a Car" meme featuring Oprah Winfrey, to emphasize the scale and drama of the forthcoming "big thing." [cite: 1 from step 2] Another common visual template is a man holding a megaphone, symbolizing a major, public announcement. [cite: 6 from step 2]

Ultimately, the meme's success lies in its ability to simultaneously signify genuine excitement and self-aware irony. It’s a phrase that works as both a motivational quote and a punchline.

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The Dual-Purpose Power: Ironic Self-Help and Brand Teasing

The "Big Things Coming" meme thrives in the space between aspiration and reality. Its current use across social media platforms like Instagram Notes, YouTube Shorts, and Reddit demonstrates its versatility as a tool for content creation and personal expression. [cite: 8, 9, 11, 17 from step 2]

1. The Irony of Perpetual Anticipation

The most sophisticated use of the meme is its ironic application. This is where the meme becomes a commentary on modern digital society's obsession with "the grind" and constant self-improvement. Users often post "Big things coming" in relation to a minor, mundane, or entirely non-existent event. This inversion of meaning is a form of online humor that resonates deeply. [cite: 11 from step 3]

• The "Nothing Burger" Phenomenon: The ultimate ironic punchline is when the "big thing" is finally revealed to be a "nothing burger"—a small, insignificant, or underwhelming result that completely fails to live up to the hype. This satirical use highlights the gap between online boasting and real-world outcomes. [cite: 20 from step 2]
• Relatable Self-Deprecation: Posting "Big things coming" after a minor personal achievement (like finally doing the dishes or getting out of bed before noon) turns the phrase into a self-deprecating yet motivational quote. It allows users to acknowledge their struggles while still adopting the positive language of future success. [cite: 1, 7 from step 1 & 3]

2. The Evergreen Marketing Teaser

Beyond personal use, the phrase is an evergreen keyword for social media marketing. Brands, musical artists, and content creators use it as an effective, low-cost way to build anticipation and drive relevance. [cite: 3 from step 1]

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In the digital landscape of 2025, where consumers are constantly anticipating brands' involvement in meme culture, a simple "Big things coming" post can generate significant engagement and speculation. This technique of teasing new releases or major announcements works because it taps into the audience's inherent curiosity and desire to be "in the know." [cite: 3 from step 3]

The Topical Authority of "Big Things Coming"

The longevity of this meme is rooted in its connection to fundamental human experiences: hope, ambition, and the gap between expectation and reality. Its status as an internet phenomenon is secured by its frequent appearance alongside other crucial topical entities in meme culture.

A Conceptual Framework for Viral Transmission

The phrase is a perfect example of a viral internet phrase that sustains itself through constant re-contextualization. It is semantically related to a wide range of LSI keywords, which ensures its perpetual relevance across search engines and social feeds. These related concepts include:

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• Future Success: It is a modern, digital-age equivalent of traditional motivational quotes, used to project confidence and determination. [cite: 4, 5 from step 3]
• Digital Society & Anticipation: It captures the feeling of constant, low-grade anticipation that characterizes life in the digital age, where everything is a "coming soon" announcement. [cite: 3, 17 from step 3]
• Meme Template Versatility: Because it is not tied to a single image, it can be quickly adapted to new visual trends and platforms, from a simple text post on a Twitter-like service to a complex visual on a new meme template. [cite: 15 from step 3]

In essence, the "Big Things Coming" meme is more than just a passing trend; it is a permanent fixture in the lexicon of online humor and self-expression. It perfectly encapsulates the modern struggle to balance genuine ambition with the self-aware irony required to survive the relentless hype machine of the internet. It reminds us that sometimes, the biggest thing coming is simply the next meme.