Why You Trying Not To Laugh The Ishowspeed Meme Explained

In the fast-moving world of internet culture, few moments capture global attention as instantly and unexpectedly as a viral gaming stream moment. One such phenomenon emerged from a chaotic, high-energy clip featuring American YouTuber and livestreamer iShowSpeed — better known simply as Speed. The phrase “why you trying not to laugh” became a cornerstone of online humor in 2023, spreading across platforms like TikTok, Twitter, and Instagram. But what exactly does it mean? Where did it come from? And why has it resonated so deeply with millions?

This article unpacks the origins, context, and lasting influence of the “why you trying not to laugh” meme, tracing its roots back to one of Speed’s most iconic live reactions and examining how it evolved into a symbol of unfiltered internet authenticity.

The Origin: A Moment of Pure Chaos

The “why you trying not to laugh” meme originated during a 2023 livestream when iShowSpeed was playing Resident Evil Village, a horror game known for its tense atmosphere and jump scares. What made this particular session stand out wasn’t the gameplay — it was Speed’s reaction to a specific scene involving Lady Dimitrescu, a towering, vampiric character who quickly became a fan favorite.

As Speed encountered her for the first time, his initial fear rapidly gave way to uncontrollable laughter. He began screaming, dancing, and reacting with exaggerated physical comedy. At one point, he turned to his camera and noticed someone in the chat or possibly a co-streamer attempting to remain serious. That’s when he shouted, “Why you trying not to laugh?!” — a line delivered with such raw energy and disbelief that it immediately stood out.

The moment was clipped, remixed, and shared endlessly. Viewers weren’t just laughing at the joke — they were laughing at the absurdity of pretending *not* to laugh in the face of pure entertainment. The phrase transcended the original context, becoming a meta-commentary on forced seriousness in digital spaces.

Tip: When analyzing memes, always trace them back to their original emotional core — often, virality stems from genuine human reactions, not scripted content.

Cultural Impact: Why This Meme Stuck

Memes come and go, but “why you trying not to laugh” achieved staying power because it tapped into a broader cultural shift: the rejection of performative stoicism online. In an era where influencers often curate polished personas, Speed’s unfiltered, hyper-expressive behavior felt refreshingly real.

The phrase resonated particularly well with younger audiences who value authenticity over polish. It became a rallying cry against \"NPC energy\" — robotic, emotionless responses — and a celebration of spontaneous joy. People started using the quote in unrelated contexts: during awkward social situations, when friends refused to acknowledge something funny, or even in response to political debates where humor was clearly being suppressed for the sake of argument.

“Internet culture rewards vulnerability and exaggeration in equal measure. Speed’s meme works because it’s both.” — Dr. Lena Torres, Digital Anthropologist at UCLA

The meme also benefited from Speed’s unique persona. Known for his loud voice, energetic dance moves, and unpredictable shifts between rage and excitement, he embodies the archetype of the “human cartoon.” This makes his reactions inherently shareable. When he asks, “Why you trying not to laugh?” he’s not just addressing one person — he’s challenging the entire audience to drop their guard.

How the Meme Evolved: Remixes, Challenges, and Parodies

Within weeks of the original clip, “why you trying not to laugh” had been repurposed into countless formats:

• Voiceovers: The audio clip was layered onto videos of politicians, athletes, and movie characters maintaining composure during ridiculous situations.
• TikTok Challenges: Users filmed themselves trying (and failing) to stay serious while friends played the audio behind them.
• Mashups: Editors combined the phrase with scenes from horror movies, anime, and even classical music performances to create ironic contrasts.
• Merchandise: Independent creators began selling T-shirts, mugs, and stickers featuring the quote in bold, meme-style fonts.

The meme’s adaptability is key to its longevity. Unlike jokes tied to specific events, this one thrives on universal tension — the struggle between inner amusement and outward restraint.

Timeline of Viral Spread

1. March 2023: Original stream clip surfaces; gains traction on YouTube Shorts.
2. April 2023: Audio sample spreads to TikTok; used in over 50,000 videos within two weeks.
3. May 2023: Memes appear on Reddit, Twitter, and Instagram Reels; mainstream media outlets begin referencing it.
4. June 2023: iShowSpeed acknowledges the meme in a livestream, re-enacting the moment and boosting its visibility.
5. August 2023: Phrase enters Urban Dictionary and appears in fan art, comics, and parody songs.

Do’s and Don’ts of Using the Meme Appropriately

While the meme remains popular, misuse can lead to confusion or cringe. Here’s a guide to deploying it effectively:

Do’s	Don’ts
Use it when someone is clearly suppressing laughter	Don’t use it in genuinely serious or tragic contexts
Pair it with exaggerated facial expressions or body language	Don’t overuse it — repetition dilutes impact
Reference the original iShowSpeed context for credibility	Don’t claim it as your own original quote without attribution
Leverage it in lighthearted group settings	Don’t direct it aggressively at individuals feeling uncomfortable

Real-World Example: The Classroom Incident

In a documented case from a high school in Manchester, UK, a teacher paused mid-lecture after noticing several students stifling giggles. One student had quietly played the “why you trying not to laugh” audio snippet from a hidden phone speaker. The class erupted. The teacher, instead of punishing the act, laughed and said, “Fair point — why *are* you all trying not to laugh?”

The moment was recorded and uploaded anonymously. It gained over two million views in a week. Educational psychologists noted that the incident highlighted how memes can serve as social equalizers — breaking tension and fostering connection even in formal environments.

This example illustrates the meme’s function beyond humor: it acts as a tool for disarming authority, relieving stress, and validating shared emotional experiences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is iShowSpeed?

iShowSpeed, real name Darren Watkins Jr., is an American content creator known for his energetic livestreams on YouTube. He rose to fame through gaming content, viral challenges, and dynamic personality. His streams often blend gameplay, music, and impromptu dance breaks, attracting millions of viewers worldwide.

Is “why you trying not to laugh” still relevant today?

Yes. While peak virality occurred in mid-2023, the phrase remains in active use, especially among Gen Z communities. It has transitioned from a fleeting trend to a recognized part of internet vernacular, similar to earlier phrases like “That’s a lot of pressure” or “Bro, do you even lift?”

Can this meme be used professionally?

Carefully. In casual workplaces or creative industries, referencing the meme might build rapport. However, in formal or conservative environments, it could be seen as unprofessional. Context matters — know your audience before dropping the quote.

How to Keep Up With Internet Culture

To understand memes like “why you trying not to laugh,” follow these steps:

1. Follow primary sources: Watch full streams from creators like iShowSpeed, xQc, or Kai Cenat to catch moments before they’re clipped.
2. Monitor trending audio: Platforms like TikTok highlight popular sounds — check weekly to see what’s rising.
3. Join niche communities: Subreddits like r/memes or Discord servers dedicated to streamers offer early insights.
4. Analyze emotional triggers: Ask why a moment feels funny — is it surprise, irony, or relatability?
5. Stay open-minded: Don’t dismiss content just because it seems chaotic. Often, the most viral moments feel messy at first.

Tip: Save a folder of emerging memes each month. Review them quarterly to spot patterns in humor and communication.

Conclusion: Embracing the Absurd

The “why you trying not to laugh” meme endures because it champions emotional honesty in a world that often rewards restraint. It reminds us that joy doesn’t need justification — if something is funny, laugh. Don’t suppress it for decorum, professionalism, or fear of looking silly.

iShowSpeed didn’t plan to create a cultural touchstone. He was just being himself — loud, passionate, and unapologetically expressive. And in that spontaneity, millions found permission to do the same.

💬 Have you used the 'why you trying not to laugh' meme in real life? Share your story in the comments and celebrate the chaos of authentic internet culture.