The Hilarious Origin Of 'What Do You Mean By That, Druski?' And The Comedian's Empire

The phrase "What do you mean by that?" has become one of the most recognizable and universally applicable reaction memes on the internet today, and it all stems from the comedic genius of Drew Desbordes, better known as Druski. As of late 2025, this simple question, delivered with Druski's signature look of bewildered suspicion, is used millions of times daily across TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram to question dubious claims, suspicious content, or vague statements. The moment that birthed this viral sensation is a masterclass in improvisational comedy, cementing Druski's status as a cultural force who has successfully leveraged internet virality into a massive media and stand-up comedy empire. The seemingly innocent, yet deeply skeptical, four-word question is more than just a soundbite; it’s a cultural shorthand for the collective confusion and distrust of the internet age. The enduring power of the meme lies in its perfect timing and Druski's deadpan delivery, which remains a staple of his online presence and his sold-out live comedy tours.

Drew Desbordes: The Man Behind the Meme (Druski's Complete Profile)

Drew Desbordes, known professionally as Druski, has quickly transitioned from a viral internet comedian to a major player in the entertainment industry, collaborating with some of the biggest names in music and film.

• Full Name: Drew Dawit Desbordes
• Stage Name: Druski / Druski2funny
• Date of Birth: September 12, 1994
• Age (as of December 2025): 31 years old
• Hometown: Baltimore, Maryland (Raised in Atlanta, Georgia)
• Career Start: 2017, posting funny, relatable sketches on Instagram.
• Profession: Comedian, Actor, Internet Personality, Influencer.
• Notable Projects: "Sneakin' In With Druski" (REVOLT/Adidas show), Coulda Been Records (mock record label), "THE COULDA FEST TOUR" (2025/2026).
• Famous Collaborations: Drake, Chloe Bailey, Jack Harlow, Joe Flacco, Antonio Brown, Ronda Rousey.

The Viral Moment: Unpacking the 'What Do You Mean By That?' Origin Story

The iconic phrase "What do you mean by that?" was born during an Instagram Live session in December 2020. This was a time when Druski was already gaining significant traction for his unscripted, highly interactive comedy, often inviting random followers and aspiring artists onto his live streams.

The Fateful Instagram Live with Rapper Grillz

The moment occurred when Druski was interviewing a rapper known as Grillz. Grillz was a guest on the live stream, and at one point, he made a comment that was vague, highly suspicious, or simply lacked clear context. Druski, playing the role of the skeptical interviewer, immediately zeroed in on the questionable statement. The comedian paused, leaned back slightly, and with a face that perfectly blended confusion, judgment, and a demand for clarification, he delivered the now-famous line: "What do you mean by that?" The delivery was pitch-perfect—a simple question that implied a world of hidden, possibly illicit, meaning. The clip instantly went viral. It was the perfect, exploitable meme format, quickly being clipped and shared across all social platforms. People began using the sound and the reaction image to question everything from strange food combinations to baffling political statements and unverified celebrity gossip.

Why the Phrase Became an Enduring Meme

The longevity of "What do you mean by that Druski" is rooted in its versatility and the current social media landscape:

• Universal Skepticism: In an age of misinformation and "fake news," the phrase encapsulates the feeling of needing to question everything you see online.
• Reaction Content Gold: The clip is short, punchy, and provides a perfect comedic reaction to any "sus" (suspicious) content.
• Druski's Persona: It aligns perfectly with Druski's comedic brand, which often involves him playing the role of the straight man or the overly-critical observer in absurd situations.

From Viral Clip to Comedy Mogul: Druski's Expanding Empire

Druski’s career trajectory is a prime example of turning internet fame into mainstream success. His viral moments, including the "What do you mean by that" meme, have served as a launching pad for multiple, highly successful ventures.

The 'Coulda Been Records' Phenomenon

One of Druski's most popular and enduring concepts is his mock record label, "Coulda Been Records." This ongoing sketch features Druski as a record executive who hosts "auditions" for aspiring rappers and singers, often roasting them with brutal honesty and hilarious critiques. The joke is that these artists "coulda been" stars if they had just followed his questionable advice. The "Coulda Been Records" brand has been so successful that it is the namesake for his 2025/2026 stand-up comedy tour, "THE COULDA FEST TOUR," where he brings his internet comedy to massive arena stages across the country. This tour confirms his ability to sell tickets based on his online presence and comedic characters.

Iconic Characters and Sketch Comedy

Beyond the "What do you mean by that" reaction, Druski is known for a range of hilarious, relatable characters that demonstrate his versatility as an actor and comedian.

• Preston: His famous "white boy in the hood" character, Preston, is a recurring skit where he perfectly parodies a specific type of suburban youth trying to fit into an urban environment.
• Frat Boy Roasts: Druski frequently posts sketches where he roasts or parodies college frat culture, a style that resonates with his diverse young audience.
• The Overconfident/Underperforming Guy: Many of his early sketches featured him playing an overly confident but ultimately inept everyday person, a style that helped him gain traction in 2017.

Mainstream Collaborations and Media Projects

Druski’s influence extends deep into the music and celebrity world. He has successfully leveraged his online fame into major brand and celebrity partnerships. He has collaborated with A-list celebrities like Drake, whom he has toured with, and actress/singer Chloe Bailey. Furthermore, his show "Sneakin' In With Druski," a collaboration with REVOLT and Adidas, features him hilariously attempting to sneak into celebrity mansions, further bridging the gap between his digital comedy and traditional media. The journey of "What do you mean by that Druski" is a complete case study in modern celebrity: a single, perfectly executed, unscripted moment that launched a comedian into the stratosphere. Druski continues to dominate the cultural conversation by consistently delivering fresh, relevant, and highly shareable content, ensuring that his unique brand of skeptical humor remains at the forefront of internet comedy for years to come.