Highsnobiety
Double Tap to Zoom

Internet memes have been a fixture in social media culture since the introduction of social media platforms, and with almost anything viral this day immortalized in meme form, VICE points out that the first actual meme was introduced in a comic strip from the University of Iowa's satirical magazine The Judge from 1921.

The 97-year-old comic strip is suggested to be the first recorded use of the popular "What You Think You Look Like vs. What You Actually Look Like" meme, where a two-pane image illustrates the discrepancy between one’s own self-image and outside perceptions of physical attractiveness.

Interestingly, a PDF of the original Judge issue digitized by Google is available to view here, and that proof further suggests that it's legitimate, since the comic is surrounded by poetry and jokes that are also relevant to the problems of modern life.

Check out a few internet reactions of the vintage meme below.

Your Highsnobiety privacy settings have blocked this Twitter post.
Your Highsnobiety privacy settings have blocked this Twitter post.

Now, don't forget to share your thoughts as well in the comments below. For the full story, head on over to VICE.

Also, in case you missed it, Kanye West and Timothée Chalomet feature in Twitter’s latest meme obsession.

We Recommend
  • Telfar’s First-Ever Store Is Bigger Than Bags
    • Style
  • Takashi Murakami's First-Ever Footwear Brand Is Fittingly Flowery (EXCLUSIVE)
    • Sneakers
  • Arc'teryx's First-Ever Print Is a Very Arc'teryx Take on Camo
    • Style
  • Even Vandy the Pink's First Salomon Sneaker Is Burger-rific
    • Sneakers
  • Fat Tongues? Plush Suede? CELINE's First-Ever Skate Shoe Simply Shreds
    • Sneakers
What To Read Next
  • Pharrell & NIGO’s Louis Vuitton Collection Is Over a Decade in the Making
    • Style
  • AURALEE's Next Great New Balance Shoe Is a Court Classic Gone Luxe
    • Sneakers
  • adidas Sambas Go Elegantly Chunky With a ‘90s Skate-Ish Makeover
    • Sneakers
  • HOKA’s Trail-Ready Formal Shoe Is the Final Boss of Sneaker-Loafers (EXCLUSIVE)
    • Sneakers
  • Xavi Simons Is the Netherlands’ Next Great Hope
    • Style
  • From Nike to Salomon, Browse This Week's Best Sneaker Releases
    • Sneakers