AboutWhat does the meme depict?

The 'Putting on Clown Makeup' meme, also known as 'Clown Makeup Tutorial,' utilizes a series of images depicting the step-by-step application of clown makeup. This meme format typically features someone metaphorically transforming into a clown by progressively applying makeup, used to illustrate a person making progressively poorer decisions or presenting weaker arguments in a humorous way. It visually captures the transformation through increasing stages of applying clown makeup to underline the folly of the actions or reasoning being mocked.

OriginWho did it first?

The meme was inspired by a video from the YouTube channel SmiffysFancyDress, titled 'Male Clown Make-up Tutorial,' posted on October 28, 2015, which provided a detailed guide on applying clown makeup. The original video walked viewers through a five-step makeup application process. The meme format itself first appeared on Facebook in a post by user Trash Bin on May 21, 2019. This initial adaptation of the video into a meme format featured still images from the video set against descriptions of various political scenarios.^[1]

Origin: 2015