As one of the most iconic states in the US, Ohio is notorious for making its mark in almost any pop culture timeline, and what better way to immortalize it than through its seemingly endless supply of uniquely funny memes? This article aims to share Ohio’s impressive meme legacy and what makes the state so dang meme-able. From its bizarre sayings to its quirky locales, find out why Ohio is often the butt of the joke!
1. Ohio: Oh, the Irony!
As one of the main states of the rustbelt, Ohio has a long history with industry and manufacturing. It’s no surprise that the state is well-known for being a major iron and steel producer. However, Ohio has had its share of economic struggles over the last few decades, and this is where the irony begins.
The Irony of Rustbelt Struggles
Ohio is home to some of the leading companies in the steel and iron industry. The state has continued to stay competitive in these industries despite the overall decline in the area’s manufacturing economy. While these companies may still be doing well, the surrounding towns and cities have been left to grapple with unemployment and losses in factory and other traditional jobs.
The irony really begins when we look at the fact that the state has had to rely on its steel and iron companies to remain economically viable. The businesses still stand, but they aren’t able to provide nearly enough jobs to cover the citizens’ needs.
Money Troubles
Low wages have been an issue for a while now, and the cost of living in the state has outpaced wages significantly. This leads to citizens having to work multiple jobs just to make ends meet. Even with multiple sources of income, many Ohio citizens still struggle to find the money to pay for basic necessities.
It’s no surprise that the state has become one of the most economically depressed in the US. It’s a serious issue that the government is struggling to address, as there isn’t enough money to invest in job creation programs.
A Lack of Opportunity
On top of the significant money troubles faced by Ohio citizens, there is a huge lack of job opportunities available. The decline of the rust belt was a serious blow to the local economy, and many people have been left without jobs due to factory closures, outsourcing to other countries and automation. This has left the citizens of Ohio fighting for a limited amount of available jobs.
The irony of it all is that the state that produces so much iron and steel has some of the most impoverished citizens in the nation. It has become a harsh reality for many living in Ohio and is the most disturbing part of the state’s economic struggles. The irony is undeniable.
2. From Bronies to Broccoli: Ohio’s Retirement as a Meme
Ohio s retirement as a meme began with the strange and unexpected enthusiasm of an unlikely crowd – the Bronies. For those unfamiliar with the phrase, Bronies refer to adult fans of the show My Little Pony. Initially, the Bronies popularized the hashtag #OhYesOhio when posting proudly about their fandom, inadvertently birthing an online joke out of the innocuous phrase.
Soon, #OhYesOhio began circulating well beyond the Brony circles. As mass adoption of the hashtag ballooned, the phrasing creative morphed from simply celebrating Ohio state pride to comically remarking on mundane daily affairs. Suddenly, #OhYesOhio became a proud affirmation of the most trivial of accomplishments, from taking out the garbage to eating broccoli for dinner.
By way of Twitter, Facebook, Reddit and even YouTube, #OhYesOhio steadily grew in popularity. Soon, any mundane chore, responsibility or action – from eating one’s vegetables to finally finishing a dreaded paper – became worthy of an #OhYesOhio triumph. Even celebrities and world-renowned figures got in on the craze, with some tossing in the hashtag when cheering on their own successes and, perhaps, even poking fun of their own mundane day-to-day existences.
As of 2021, the initial Brony-born #OhYesOhio has become an online classic. From the esports sphere to the political world, and everywhere in between, the meme reigns as queens of the internet vernacular – and the one-time Bronies-adopted phrase is now an accepted way of wryly crowning minor achievements and accomplishments. While Ohio state pride will always be the root of this Internet classic, #OhYesOhio now lives on in its own right as an iconic meme ready to be used and revisited.
3. Analyzing the Laughs: Why Ohio is a Reliable Punchline
Ohio may be America’s seventh most populous state, but its cultural impact is disproportionate to its size. Between giving the world a few iconic comedians, such as Arsenio Hall, Drew Carey and Steve Martin, to remaining a strong constant in the political landscape, this middle midwestern state is a reliable punchline. But why Ohio? Let’s analyze.
First, Ohio has been a stage for plenty of laughs. Saturday Night Live may be on the coast, but Ohio has had its very own sketch comedy show since 1973. The Cleveland Show spawned in the city’s Playhouse Square and moved to broadcast television, where it entertained the masses for 28 years.
Second, Ohio’s circumstances are ripe for humor. From its barbed-wire wrapped lake erie industry to its persistent snow, Ohio provides interesting and at times embarrassing stories for jokesters. For example, Ohio residents must often face some seriously long, cold winters, inspiring one-liners about an individual’s coldness and misery.
Last, Ohio also has a unique linguistic identity. Its mix of urban and rural colloquialisms, poetry-infused music and over the top characters that share a common bond all contribute to a punchline-filled culture and language. Here are some timeless sayings Ohioans can’t seem to get away from:
- Put your nose in it!
- Whew, lawd!
- Cheatin’ mule!
- We’re goin’ in!
- Can’t never could.
It’s hard to escape the humor that Ohio exhumes, and with its perpetual political and economic dynamics, it’s just one punchline after the other.
4. The Ohio Frylock: Exploring the Popularity of Ohio Memes
Ohio Frylock: A Memelicious Way to Unwind
The Ohio Frylock meme has become a popular way to relieve stress for Ohioans of all ages. What started out as a joke about a crumbled piece of fried chicken from Ohio’s statewide chicken chain, has quickly become an iconic image for the Buckeye State.
To get a sense of the meme’s appeal, just type “Ohio Frylock” into any social media search engine and you’ll find pages and pages of images sporting the fried chicken all dressed up in Ohio pride. Some are visually comic but all of them reveal the state’s special place in the hearts of its people.
Ohio Frylock embodies the creativity of Ohioans and often features references to Ohio’s history. Whether it’s a recreation of a famous photo or a witty pun wrapped inside a classic Ohio landmark, this meme is an amusing reminder of the state’s unique culture.
Not surprisingly, the Ohio Frylock meme has gained the appreciation and admiration of people throughout the state. Fans of the meme now get together to celebrate their love of the Buckeye State in a unique and humorous way. Plus, the meme has become an accessible way for people to share their enthusiasm for Ohio regardless of culture, age or nationality.
Whether used to simply blow off steam, share a laugh or express state pride, there’s no doubt that the Ohio Frylock is a hit among Ohioans.
5. Pack Up and Set Sail: A Look at Ohio as Meme Fodder
Ohio may not be the most popular of states, but it has enjoyed some notoriety lately as meme fodder.
Its flightless bird, the Ohio statehood quarter, and political figures like Governor Mike DeWine have all been the butt of the joke.
- The state’s flightless bird made it a target for anyone who commented on what Ohio doesn’t havegoing for it. From “if Ohio had a bird, it would be flightless” to “No one is really sure why Ohio even exists” its lack of a feathered friend has been noted.
- The statehood quarter was also popular hit for meme makers. Many variations featured the popular Walt Disney movie Cars, in which a racecar with Ohio state flag drive on the coin.
Governor Mike DeWine also got in on the meme game when he urged Ohioans to stay home and practice social-distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic. A photo of him next to a sign reading “Stay Home and Stay Safe” was turned into a joke about Ohioans not being allowed to go anywhere else.
6. From Rust to Riches: How Ohio Gained Its Resilience in the Memesphere
Ohio has gained a reputation in the memesphere for being remarkably resilient and full of surprises. It all began in 2014, when the internet declared the rustbelt state had officially gone from rust to riches.
The reasons for this resurgence are many-fold. To start, Ohio’s cities have seen a dramatic revival from the retirement of old industrial towns into modern metropolises. Over-arching investments in education, technological, and business development have opened up new opportunities for the population.
This has translated into a renewed civic pride and creative surge across the board. Young people are driven to learn, create, innovate and start businesses. The state’s cultural landscape has been completely transformed, and it’s become something of a trendsetting quality-of-life measuring stick.
A strong economy also means plenty of meme fodder. Ohio residents have a knack for spotting and highlighting the quirky and humorous aspects of Midwestern life. From references to its rust belt origins to tongue-in-cheek takes on local politics, culture, and media, Ohio’s memes have become a source of national entertainment.
These six points have made Ohio a surprise star of the memesphere, gaining resilience and respect from the whole web community.
- Ohio has seen a dramatic improvement of its economic and cultural landscape.
- The state’s young people are driven to learn, create, innovate and start businesses.
- Ohio residents have a knack for creating memes that capture the quirky and humorous aspects of Midwestern life.
- Ohio is respected for its resilience and trendsetting quality-of-life in the memesphere.
7. Time to Rejoice: Embracing Ohio’s Meme Legacy
It’s time to give Ohio the credit it deserves for its contagious meme legacy. From “yee” to “LeBron James” to “The Man Your Man Could Smell Like”, Ohio proudly stakes its claim as one of the undisputed meme hubs of the Internet. Here's what makes Ohio legendary when it comes to memes:
- Awe-Inspiring Locations: There are plenty of Ohio gems that lend themselves perfectly to meme creation. From the retro landmarks of Toledo to the cozy streets of Cleveland, local landmarks offer the perfect back-drop for an iconic meme.
- Viral Sensations: There’s no doubt that Ohio is a hub for fresh, clever memes. Whether it’s a creative take on an existing meme or an entirely new take, Ohio has it all.
- Clock-Tower Contagion: Ohio memes have a way of capturing the public’s attention with their clever wordplay and out-of-the-box thinking. It’s no surprise that Ohio’s memers have garnered such a devoted following.
So, it’s time to celebrate Ohio’s unique meme legacy. And whether you’re a local or a newcomer to the Buckeye State, it’s sure to be a great time when you cheers to Ohio’s iconic memes.
It seems that Ohio’s unique history and culture, combined with its eagerness to create an online identity, have resulted in its status as a meme-prone state. Ohioans should not be disheartened, however; as the age-old saying goes, it’s not the size of the state that matters, but the loyalty of its citizens that truly make the difference. Long may Ohio remain the Meme State of the Union!