"Grumpy Cat", originally named Tardar Sauce, was an American Internet celebrity cat, known for her permanently 'grumpy' facial appearance, which was caused by an underbite and feline dwarfism. Her photo went viral on Reddit in September 2012, leading to 'Lolcats' and parodies featuring her image.
Origin
Grumpy Cat was one of a litter of four kittens born to a calico mother and a blue-and-white tabby putative father. Her 'grumpy' look was due to feline dwarfism and an underbite, although her owners noted she was mostly a regular cat.
Development
Managed by 'meme manager' Ben Lashes, Grumpy Cat's popularity soared, leading to Tabatha Bundesen, her owner, taking a leave of absence from her job to manage Grumpy Cat's schedule. Bryan Bundesen, Tabatha's brother, managed her online presence.
Cultural Impact and Popularity
Grumpy Cat became a cultural icon with 8.3 million likes on Facebook, 2.6 million Instagram followers, 1.5 million Twitter followers, and 276,000 YouTube subscribers as of June 2023. Her grumpy appearance became synonymous with humorously negative and cynical sentiments.
Humor and Irony
The meme typically features humorously negative, cynical, or sarcastic captions, resonating with audiences who found humor in her seemingly displeased and unamused expression.
Related Events or Phenomena
Grumpy Cat's media appearances included advertising campaigns for Friskies and Honey Nut Cheerios, public appearances, and attendance at events like South by Southwest (SXSW) Interactive.
Variation and Iteration
While Grumpy Cat herself didn't undergo many variations, the breadth of captions and contexts in which her image was used demonstrated the meme's versatility.
Cross-Cultural Applicability
Grumpy Cat's appeal transcended cultural and linguistic barriers, becoming a global symbol of grumpiness and dissatisfaction.
Usage Scenarios
Used in a wide range of scenarios, from social media posts to advertising and public appearances, Grumpy Cat's image served as a visual shorthand for dissatisfaction and cynicism.
Appearances in Media and Art
Grumpy Cat featured in 'Lil Bub & Friendz', a documentary that won the Tribeca Online Festival Best Feature Film. She was also the subject of a Lifetime movie, 'Grumpy Cat's Worst Christmas Ever', voiced by Aubrey Plaza.
Controversy and Criticism
In December 2015, Grumpy Cat Limited filed a lawsuit against Grenade Beverage LLC for trademark infringement, showcasing the legal complexities surrounding popular internet memes and their commercial use.
Social and Political Significance
Grumpy Cat's vast influence in internet culture demonstrates how an internet meme can evolve into a significant cultural and commercial phenomenon.
Merchandising and Commercialization
Grumpy Cat Limited held eight trademarks and offered a wide range of merchandise. Chronicle Books published 'The Grumpy Cat Wall Calendar' and 'Grumpy Cat: A Grumpy Book', which became bestsellers. Dynamite Entertainment published a comic series, and an official video game was released.
Death and Legacy
Grumpy Cat passed away on May 14, 2019, following complications from a urinary tract infection. Her death was widely mourned, and her legacy continues through her memes and merchandise.
Grumpy Cat remains a prominent figure in internet culture, symbolizing the power of digital media to create global icons. Her grumpy visage, embodying humor and cynicism, continues to resonate with audiences, cementing her status as a meme legend.