What Is the Distracted Boyfriend Meme? Origin & Meaning
Learn what the Distracted Boyfriend meme is, its origin as a stock photo, and how to use it. Make your own for free.
The Distracted Boyfriend meme (also called "Man Looking at Other Woman") is a stock photo taken by Spanish photographer Antonio Guillem in 2015. It shows a man walking with his girlfriend while turning to check out another woman, as his girlfriend looks on with disapproval.
The photo was uploaded to several stock image sites and sat relatively unnoticed until early 2017, when it exploded on social media as a meme format. By August 2017, it was everywhere.
How the Meme Works
Each person in the photo is labeled to represent something different. The boyfriend represents someone being tempted, the other woman represents the tempting new thing, and the girlfriend represents what the person should be loyal to. The three labels together create a mini-narrative about temptation and misplaced priorities.
Why It Went Viral
The format is universally relatable. Everyone has experienced being tempted by something new while neglecting something they already have. The three-character setup allows for more complex jokes than simple two-panel memes.
Cultural Impact
The Distracted Boyfriend meme won "Meme of the Year" at the 2017 Shorty Awards. The original photographer Antonio Guillem has said he appreciates the meme's popularity. The image has been referenced in mainstream media, advertising campaigns, and even museum exhibits about internet culture.