The English or Spanish Meme: What It Means & Why People Find It Funny

What is the English or Spanish meme?

Someone asks “English or Spanish” to get another person to freeze. On TikTok, users approach someone in public and ask “English or Spanish” to figure out their native language. Depending on what they respond with, the person will either say “Whoever moves first is gay” or “Primero que se mueva es gay.” The person who was asked the question usually freezes until they’re told they can move. The person who is asked the question is usually a heterosexual man, but heterosexual couples and groups of men have also been asked. This meme is considered problematic and homophobic.

Where does the English or Spanish meme come from?

In early 2024, a TikToker started asking men “English or Spanish” in public. On February 25, 2024, TikTok user @alfonsopinpon_ posted a compilation video where he approached men in a mall and said “El que se mueve es gay,” which translates to “Whoever moves first is gay.” He continued posting these videos daily, eventually asking “English or Spanish” and starting the trend.

Why is the English or Spanish meme problematic?

The English or Spanish meme promotes homophobia. Although it comes off as funny, the English or Spanish meme encourages homophobia by using being gay as a deterrent from moving. It shows that people are uncomfortable with being perceived as homosexual, which is homophobic.

Why do people find the English or Spanish meme so funny?

People laugh at how far men will go to prove they aren’t gay. Despite concerns of homophobia, people laugh at the English or Spanish meme because of the absurdity of the challenge. They find it laughable that people freeze and go to such ridiculous lengths just to not be labelled as gay, especially when they are with their significant other.

English or Spanish Meme Song

“Static” by Steve Lacy is used in compilations of the meme. On May 25, 2024, TikTok user @azavtu posted a video where they compiled videos of people freezing after being told “Whoever moves first is gay” with “Static” by Steve Lacy playing in the background. This went viral and sparked a trend where users post videos of themselves asking people “English or Spanish” with the song. On June 28, 2024, TikTok user @evanjarold posted a video using the song. While on a roller coaster, they asked a friend “English or Spanish” as the ride dropped.