Harlem Shake

Examples

Ace Attorney dialogue screenshot with Grossberg in a red jacket. Visible caption: Unnngh... It feels like my hemorrhoids are doing the Harlem Shake! — Grossberg’s Harlem Shake
Source ↗
Bodily-function humor.
Credit & details
Unnngh... It feels like my hemorrhoids are doing the Harlem Shake!
Source media ↗

Cartoon Grim Reaper holds a plugged-in hair dryer over a man’s bathtub. Visible caption: HARLEM SHAKE! — Grim Reaper Harlem Shake
Source ↗
Dark electrocution/death gag; dangerous conduct depicted, not advice.
Credit & details
HARLEM SHAKE!
Source media ↗

About & sources

One person dances while a room seems to ignore them; a cut at the beat drop reveals everyone joining the chaos. The predictable before-and-after structure makes each new setting the punchline.

Date

Baauer track: 2012; viral video format: January–February 2013

History

A January 30, 2013 Filthy Frank video preceded early-February copies and the familiar group format. This internet video trend is distinct from the older Harlem dance whose name it borrowed.

Know Your Meme — Harlem Shake

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Harlem Shake

Examples

Spider Harlem Shake

Grossberg’s Harlem Shake

Grim Reaper Harlem Shake

Date

History