Weegee

Weegee is an internet meme and creepypasta character that originated in the mid-2000s. The character is based on a distorted image of Luigi from the Nintendo video game series, featuring an unsettling, blank stare and a mustache.

Origin and History

The Weegee meme is believed to have originated from a sprite of Luigi in the PC version of Mario Is Missing! The sprite caught the attention of internet users due to its peculiar, somewhat unsettling appearance, particularly Luigi's blank stare and rigid posture.

The name "Weegee" is thought to be a deliberate misspelling of "Luigi," further emphasizing the character's bizarre nature.

Characteristics

Weegee is typically depicted as a malevolent entity with several distinctive features:

• A blank, wide-eyed stare
• A thick mustache
• A blue shirt and green hat (similar to Luigi's outfit)
• A rigid, unnatural posture

In many iterations of the meme, Weegee is said to possess the ability to turn others into Weegee clones simply by making eye contact with them.

Spread and Popularity

The Weegee meme gained significant traction on various internet platforms, including:

• YouTube: Numerous videos featuring Weegee were created, often set to unsettling music or sound effects.
• DeviantArt: Artists created various Weegee-inspired artworks and comics.
• Forums and image boards: Weegee became a popular subject for photoshops and discussions.

Cultural Impact

Weegee has become a recognizable figure in internet culture, often associated with creepy or unsettling content. The meme has inspired:

• Fan-made games featuring Weegee as a character or antagonist
• Creepypasta stories expanding on Weegee's lore
• Merchandise such as t-shirts and stickers
• Parodies and references in other internet content

Variations and Spin-offs

As the meme evolved, several variations and related characters emerged:

• Malleo: A distorted version of Mario, often depicted as Weegee's brother
• Waweegee: A combination of Waluigi and Weegee
• Weegee Army: The concept of multiple Weegee clones

Controversy and Criticism

While Weegee has gained a significant following, the meme has also faced criticism:

• Some argue that the meme promotes the spread of unsettling or disturbing content
• Nintendo has not officially acknowledged or endorsed the meme, leading to discussions about copyright and fair use
• Critics have pointed out that the meme's popularity has waned over time, becoming less relevant in current internet culture

Legacy

Despite its peak popularity having passed, Weegee remains a notable part of internet meme history. The character continues to appear occasionally in new content and is often referenced nostalgically by those familiar with early 2000s internet culture.

Related Articles

• Luigi - The character Weegee is based on
• Internet Memes - The broader category Weegee belongs to
• Creepypasta - A genre of internet horror stories that Weegee is often associated with

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