If you’re a chronically online kinda gal, or just someone who loves a good meme, you already know 2025 was the year memes took on a life of their own, going waaay beyond silly internet jokes and turning into full-blown movements and brand campaigns. Sure, brands have been hopping on viral trends for years, desperate for their two seconds of Gen Z adoration, but this year? A whole different ballgame.
Take the viral Coldplay jumbotron moment where the CEO of tech company Astronomer and his HR chief were caught on camera looking a little too cosy. Overnight, everyone and their mother had something to say. It was literally every third reel on my feed. My favourites were the ones showing gorgeous locations with ‘This and your HR manager’ slapped on top. Naturally, brands couldn’t resist. Remember Amul India’s iconic ‘Only scoops, no oops’ ad? Or Ryan Air’s tweet joking that their seating policy and Coldplay’s jumbotron moment have one thing in common: they both split up couples? Lol.
Then there was the Louvre heist, which inspired Fevicol’s brilliant ad about jewellery stuck down so tightly that no thief would stand a chance. A solid 10/10 for ideation. And who could forget the Jet2holidays jingle, the unofficial sound of summer? It did absolute wonders for the brand, even though it was unplanned, and it probably still lives in your head rent-free. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to 2025’s meme chaos. So, let’s look back at the ones that truly stole the show this year––and find out what your favourite says about you. Enjoy!
Coldplay-gate
- You’re probably HR’s worst nightmare
- You’re obsessed with butter yellow (eeeee, sorry)
- You need professional help
Louvre heist
- You think you’re mysterious but can’t stop talking
- You love drama (only when it doesn’t involve you)
- You dressed up like a robber for Halloween (aka, you’re basic AF)
Standing on business
- You’ve been concerned about Justin Bieber all year. Is bro okay??
- You call yourself a boss ass bitch, but you’ve never said no to anyone in your life
- Your toxic trait is thinking a hoodie counts as personality
Jet2holidays
- You bitch about celebrities flying private but use enough ChatGPT to drain a lake
- You’d rather lose a limb than pass up any kind of money-saving deal
- You’re the type to lose your phone while holding it
Raspberry coulis
- You’re chronically online but in a delightful way
- You prefer looking at memes of a show over actually watching it
- You have a talent for spotting red flags from a mile away
Anglerfish
- You’re convinced every tragic thing is actually a metaphor for your life
- You cry watching documentaries about trees
- You send your friends “thinking of you” texts at random intervals
Sydney Sweeney and reporter
- You have the most iconic resting bitch face
- You handle tough questions the way people handle spiders: freeze, blink, pray it leaves
- You love a good pair of jeans
Aura farming
- You’ve absolutely practised looking cool in reflective surfaces
- You bring more energy to the party than the actual DJ
- You wear sunglasses when it’s pouring outside
100 men vs one gorilla
- You believe every argument has a “right answer”...if you just think hard enough
- You watch YouTube explainer videos for fun
- You were definitely a debate kid in school
Cynthia Erivo: a walking meme
- You’re a theatre kid turned corporate slave
- You literally live for Cynthia and Ariana’s friendship, haters be damned
- You’ve been tapping your head every two seconds, ever since you saw Cynthia do it
