AboutWhat does the meme depict?

Principal Skinner's 'Pathetic' meme features an image of Principal Skinner from the animated TV show 'The Simpsons.' In the image, Skinner is depicted looking downward with a displeased or disgusted expression. This image is typically accompanied by the caption 'Pathetic,' creating a format used to express disdain or contempt. The meme has evolved into an exploitable image macro format, where similar expressions from different characters are captioned in the same way.

OriginWho did it first?

The meme originated from 'The Simpsons' Season 1, Episode 2, titled 'Bart the Genius,' which first aired on January 14th, 1990. The specific scene involves Principal Skinner learning about Bart's mischievous actions of vandalizing the school, which prompts him to give a stern, downward glance. While in the episode Skinner does not actually utter the word 'pathetic,' this expression was later adapted into the meme format. More details on the episode can be found on the Simpsons Wiki. Additionally, the scene can be viewed here on YouTube.^[1]

Origin: 1990