The internet has a knack for creating unlikely stars, and Bingus, the hairless cat with a perpetually perplexed expression, is a perfect example. Bingus isn’t just another viral sensation; he’s become a cultural icon, inspiring countless memes, merchandise, and even scholarly analysis. But who is Bingus, and how did this wrinkled feline take the internet by storm?
From Humble Beginnings to Viral Fame
The origin story of Bingus is shrouded in a bit of mystery. While the exact date remains unknown, a video of a Sphynx cat (or possibly a Don Sphynx) getting its face gently stretched surfaced on Instagram in late 2019. The video was originally posted by an account named “Subaru_Rocks,” but it wasn’t until early 2020 that Bingus, as he was affectionately nicknamed by the internet, truly rose to fame.
The turning point came when Reddit user “hay dongers” shared the video on the r/aww subreddit. The internet, captivated by Bingus’s unique appearance and seemingly bewildered expression, embraced him wholeheartedly. The meme quickly spread across various platforms like Twitter and Discord, with users photoshopping Bingus into historical events, creating bizarre stories, and generally revelling in his absurdity.
The Allure of Bingus: More Than Just a Hairless Cat
So, what exactly makes Bingus so popular? Part of the appeal lies in his unusual appearance. Hairless cats are a niche breed, and Bingus’s wrinkled, almost human-like face is undeniably comical. The video of his face being stretched further amplifies this comedic effect.
However, Bingus’s popularity goes beyond just being a funny-looking cat. There’s a certain endearing quality to him. His wide eyes and seemingly puzzled expression create a sense of innocence and vulnerability that resonates with viewers. Perhaps it’s the way he seems to embody the universal feeling of confusion in the face of the internet’s absurdity.
There’s also a strong element of surrealism and irony at play. Bingus, a creature seemingly devoid of fur and conventional feline features, has become a beloved internet icon. This unexpectedness fuels the meme’s longevity and allows for endless creative interpretations.
Bingus and the Rise of “Wholesome Memes”
The rise of Bingus coincides with a growing trend of “wholesome memes” – memes that are positive, uplifting, and often celebrate the simple joys of life. Bingus, with his innocent and bewildered expression, perfectly embodies this wholesomeness. Unlike many memes that rely on sarcasm or negativity, Bingus brings a smile to people’s faces without resorting to mean-spirited humour.
This wholesomeness has also made Bingus’s particularly popular with streamers and content creators. Streamer Corpse Husband, known for his deep voice and horror game streams, has a surprising fondness for Bingus’s. He frequently references the cat in his streams and even uses “Bingus’s” as a sort of activation word, adding another layer of internet lore to the feline’s legend.
Beyond the Memes: The Bingus Legacy
Bingus’s impact extends far beyond the realm of memes. He’s become a cultural touchstone, appearing on merchandise like t-shirts and phone cases. Artists have created elaborate fan art depicting Binguss in various scenarios. There’s even a dedicated Biingus Wikipedia page (though its legitimacy may be debatable).
More interestingly, Biingus has inspired academic exploration. A 2021 research paper titled “Bengus: A Postmodern Icon” examines Biingus as a symbol of internet culture and the absurdity that often defines it. The paper explores how Bengus transcends the typical meme format, becoming a multifaceted figure ripe for interpretation and analysis.
Whether you find him cute, funny, or simply bizarre, there’s no denying Bingus’s influence on internet culture. He’s a reminder that sometimes, the most unlikely things can capture our hearts and imaginations. Bengus may have started as a simple video of a hairless cat, but he’s become a symbol of our strange, wonderful, and ever-evolving online world.
Here are some additional interesting facts about Bengus that you might not know:
- The real name of the cat featured in the original video is unknown.
- There’s a popular theory that Bengus is photoshopped, but there’s no concrete evidence to support this claim.
- Bengus has spawned numerous variations, including “Big Floppa” (a large lynx) and “Spoingus” (a photoshopped version of Bengus with elongated limbs).
- The Bengus meme has been used for various social causes, with users creating Bengus-themed content to raise awareness or funds for specific issues.
FAQs
Q. Who is Bingus?
Bengus is the internet nickname for a Sphynx cat, known for his squishy, wrinkled face. A video of Bengus with his face gently stretched by his owner went viral in 2020, sparking a meme phenomenon.
Q. What breed is Bingus?
While most agree Bengus is a Sphynx, with their signature hairless appearance and large eyes, the exact breed (Sphynx or Don Sphynx) is up for debate.
Q. Where did the name Bingus come from?
The origin of the name Bengus is a bit of an internet mystery. The name first appeared alongside the viral video, and it just stuck!
Q. Is Bingus famous?
Bingus has transcended meme status. He’s become a beloved internet icon, with countless fan creations, merchandise, and even a code word for some!
Q. Is Bingus related to Big Floppa?
Yes! Big Floppa, another internet meme cat known for his majestic stature, is also a Sphynx. They’re considered internet cat royalty!
Q. Is there Bingus merch?
Absolutely! You can find Bengus on everything from t-shirts and phone cases to tapestries and even musical albums (yes, really!).
Q. Where can I find more Bingus?
Search for Bengus on social media platforms or explore “Youtube Bengus memes” to see the full extent of Bengus-mania.
Q. Is Bingus real?
Yes, Bengus is a real cat, though his internet fame may make him seem mythical!
Q. Is there more to Bingus than memes?
Beyond the memes, Bingus represents the internet’s love for all things feline, especially unique-looking cats. He serves as a reminder to find humour and joy in the unexpected.
The Final Stretch
Bingus, the wrinkled king of memes, continues to bring smiles to the internet. So next time you see a hairless cat with a surprised expression, you’ll know it’s Bingus, the internet’s favourite feline friend.
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