There are a few moments in everyone’s life where they most probably just typed “do a barrel roll” into Google, only to watch the screen roll all the way. But what in the world is this from? We know that you might not be updated on your meme lingo, so here’s our help.
In this BLOG, we are going to talk about the origin of “do a barrel roll“. Additionally, we will also delve into google easter egg, how the meme took over, and more. Therefore, come with us and gain an insight into this 1997 game from where this popular meme comes from.
Origin of Do A Barrel Roll?
Although many people are aware of the Google Barrel roll, have you ever wondered where the term originates from? Well, The phrase was first heard in the 1993 Nintendo 64 game known as Star Fox. Players of the game navigate a level in a spacecraft, firing at enemies and avoiding obstacles.
One of the moves in the game involves the player executing a barrel roll, whereby the player turns the spacecraft upside down in a 360-degree rotation to avoid any incoming attacks. It was such a popular move that it made its way into the language of the game, and players had Peppy Hare, the mentor of the game, tell them ‘Do a barrel roll’ at some point.
The expression quickly gained attention among the fans as they yelled the term when stuck in a difficult situation. However, in no time, the phrase grew so big that it became a broader Internet meme, used by both gamers and non-gamers
The Google Easter Egg
Let us tell you that Google was the one to launch the meme into the mainstream in 2011. The Search engine incorporated an Easter Egg that would make anyone laugh if they typed “do a barrel roll” on the search bar. Why so? It is because whenever a person types the same and hits the enter button, their screen rotates in a 360-degree spin, just like the barrel roll in the game.
You must be thinking – what is so special about this initiative? Well, maybe there’s nothing special about this, but this gesture was enough to trigger amusement and laughter among users around the world. It was an interactive initiative that became universal, and everyone has access to this feature, no matter whether they play games or not.
How the Meme Took Over?
Now the term was spread all over the internet, it was not restricted to Star Fox fans anymore. The term got bigger since its launch as an Easter Egg on Google. What made it capturing? Well, the accessibility and joyful nature of the feature made it appealing to users.
It became so famous that it was used as an inside joke among the users. It was also spread throughout different social media platforms, messages, and even sites. Most would dare their friends with the words `do a barrel roll` and enjoy watching them do the absurd action.
As the meme grew, it started appearing in internet videos, remixes, and even advertisements. It became a symbol of a small & quirky interaction, leading to laughter and joy. The term was not just about the game anymore, it became a part of digital culture since then.
Why the Meme is so Captivating?
We have read about the origin of the term, but what is the thing that makes it so captivating and appealing among the users? Well, let us analyze some of the reasons below.
- Universal appeal – The term is simple and easy to remember for most people. Additionally, the 360-degree spin of the screen after searching ‘do a barrel roll’ adds a layer of joy and excitement.
- Accessibility – Another reason for the popularity may be the easy accessibility of the internet nowadays. Today, every person uses the Internet for one or the other reason, and with such accessibility, the increase in popularity is no surprise.
- Nostalgia – For Star Fox fans, this is a nostalgic moment as they witness the same 360-degree rotation as the game.
The Lasting Legacy
Almost ten years past its introduction, the “do a barrel roll” meme has been the most loved and celebrated internet meme. Although the internet has undergone several transformations and other memes have come and faded, the barrel roll is among the longest-surviving epitome of how a meme cuts across to be associated with a fun feature on the internet.
Bottom Line
In this blog, we have discussed the meme that originated from a game and became a digital feature. By far, it is clear that the game originated in the 1993 Nintendo 64 game known as Star Fox. After hearing for the first time, the term grew in popularity among the fans, and soon among the non-gamers also.
It grew so popular that Google launched the meme into the mainstream in 2011, where anyone entering ‘do a barrel roll’ in the search bar will see the screen rotating 360 degrees. This was not it, the term captivated such a big audience that it was used in internet videos, messages, and even advertisements. Certainly, there are some reasons for this popularity, which we have discussed above.
At last, having read the blog till here, we hope that you got a significant insight into the term, and now you must have also gotten used to it!
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