2024 proved to be another significant year for internet culture, particularly within the vibrant world of memes. Brazilians once again showcased their comedic flair, creating content ranging from politically charged statements to downright silly moments, all encapsulated within the digital universe.
One of the most talked-about memes was the "Cadeirada de Datena," featuring broadcaster Luiz Datena delivering a metaphorical slap during a heated electoral debate against his rival Pablo Marçal. This incident not only went viral but also became representative of the charged political atmosphere within Brazil.
Another standout moment was the resurgence of the phrase "Que Xou da Xuxa é esse?" This meme centered around a clip which re-emerged due to its inclusion in the documentary series “Pra Sempre Paquitas” on Globoplay. The video featured young Patrícia Veloso Martins expressing her frustration after being unable to enter the iconic children’s program hosted by Xuxa. Her heartfelt plea captured the attention of viewers, transforming her words and emotions from decades earlier (the program initially aired from 1986 to 1992) back to the forefront of internet humor.
Meanwhile, reality television influencers also played their part. Davi Brito’s interaction with fellow contestant Lucas Henrique on BBB24 ignited the catchphrase "Calma, calabreso." This humorous exchange quickly spread across social media, sparking memes and even finding its way onto the menu of one of the contestant's ex-partner's food stalls.
Despite the many entertaining memes sprouting up, innovation didn't stop there. The meme culture blended seamlessly with technology, particularly with the sparked interest around the fictional soap opera "Pé de Chinesa." Created entirely through AI, this made-up reality show featured ex-BBB contestants as characters, complete with theme music and digitally constructed visuals. The novelty of AI-generated contents spurred widespread intrigue and participation, with internet users playing along by creating their own versions.
Every meme year has its breakout phrases. 2024 witnessed one of the simplest yet most compelling: "Vou nada," which originated from a humorous TikTok video. The short clip featured a man's firm refusal to discard leftover watermelon, and it exploded across platforms, showcased by millions of engagements and even becoming one of the top searched queries on Google among Brazilian users this year.
Music also played a significant role, with Thullio Milionário’s hit "Casca de Bala" spreading like wildfire on TikTok. The catchy tune became the backdrop for countless humorous videos as individuals created memes reflecting friendships and camaraderie, enhancing its status within the meme lexicon.
Memes have proven to be reflections of society’s moods, opinions, and even nostalgia. The intersection of historical clips with modern realities, such as those seen with Xuxa's programme, exemplifies how the past continues to resonate within contemporary culture. Through political discussions and entertainment references alike, Brazilian internet users crafted narratives and humor, connecting varied topics and events.
From history to reality shows and musical trends, the memes of 2024 not only entertained but also echoed Brazil's ever-evolving cultural narrative. This year heralded not merely humor but also creativity and camaraderie, rooting itself firmly within the heart of Brazilian internet culture.