Damnnn Daniel
February 25, 2016 2:50 PM Subscribe
It started with Snapchat videos that got reposted to twitter 10 days ago. And then it went viral. Of course Daniel and Josh went on Ellen. But when you finally make it to the New York Times ("We Should Probably Have a Conversation About ‘Damn, Daniel’") the meme has probably run its course.
> I don’t get it.
It’s O.K. Even experts will tell you that there is no explanation for this type of thing. Anyway, it will all be over soon
It's true, death comes to us all.
posted by The Card Cheat at 2:53 PM on February 25, 2016 [18 favorites]
It’s O.K. Even experts will tell you that there is no explanation for this type of thing. Anyway, it will all be over soon
It's true, death comes to us all.
posted by The Card Cheat at 2:53 PM on February 25, 2016 [18 favorites]
Also of note: USA Today beat the NY Times to thememe-punch on this one with an ex plainer so tepid and useless that you wonder why they bothered.
posted by GuyZero at 2:56 PM on February 25, 2016 [2 favorites]
posted by GuyZero at 2:56 PM on February 25, 2016 [2 favorites]
This is right up there with "what are those". I sort of understand the original appeal - the unexpected twist, the bravado of telling a cop that - but the endurance and widespread nature of the thing was unfathomable.
This is just incomprehensible. Getting old is weird.
posted by pmv at 3:00 PM on February 25, 2016 [9 favorites]
This is just incomprehensible. Getting old is weird.
posted by pmv at 3:00 PM on February 25, 2016 [9 favorites]
Is "Damn, Daniel" intended as a gay thing? Is it understood as one? As glad as I am that today's teenagers are pretty chill about gender and sexual identity, it's confusing as all heck.
I came to a realization about a week ago that after three years of indulgence, I am now over meme culture. I am all memed out. I cut back on all sources except for /r/fellowkids, a subreddit for shaming marketing people who use memes in awkward advertisements. See for example the Pita Pit. Although even that's been co-opted, see Totino's /r/youdontsurf reference that's so bad I'm not even mad.
posted by Nelson at 3:05 PM on February 25, 2016 [5 favorites]
I came to a realization about a week ago that after three years of indulgence, I am now over meme culture. I am all memed out. I cut back on all sources except for /r/fellowkids, a subreddit for shaming marketing people who use memes in awkward advertisements. See for example the Pita Pit. Although even that's been co-opted, see Totino's /r/youdontsurf reference that's so bad I'm not even mad.
posted by Nelson at 3:05 PM on February 25, 2016 [5 favorites]
It's perfectly comprehensible. It's a distinctive looking character (Daniel) and a catchphrase repeated in a funny voice (Josh) for 30 seconds. That's a time-honored method of getting stuff to stick in your head. But I can see how it would lead you to ask "Where's the beef?"
posted by vibrotronica at 3:06 PM on February 25, 2016 [16 favorites]
posted by vibrotronica at 3:06 PM on February 25, 2016 [16 favorites]
tag urself i'm josh
posted by poffin boffin at 3:07 PM on February 25, 2016 [5 favorites]
posted by poffin boffin at 3:07 PM on February 25, 2016 [5 favorites]
I heard of this one before it hit Buzzfeed, for once (I've got young rellies who think I'm cool-ish)! When I saw it, I thought, Aw, I think the kid shooting this has a crush on Daniel - and Daniel knows it! I thought it was cute. I did the same thing in high school with boys I had a crush on; I'd look for something to compliment them about just to be able to make myself speak to them without feeling too "HI!!!!!!!!!! I HAVE THE BIGGEST, LIKE, CRUSH ON YOUUUUU!"
Not sure if it worked, or even if my targets were flattered, but, eh. At least I spoke to them.
But surely it's over now, this meme?
posted by droplet at 3:10 PM on February 25, 2016 [1 favorite]
Not sure if it worked, or even if my targets were flattered, but, eh. At least I spoke to them.
But surely it's over now, this meme?
posted by droplet at 3:10 PM on February 25, 2016 [1 favorite]
It's perfectly comprehensible. It's a distinctive looking character (Daniel) and a catchphrase repeated in a funny voice (Josh) for 30 seconds. That's a time-honored method of getting stuff to stick in your head. But I can see how it would lead you to ask "Where's the beef?"
I see what you did there, and I'm really impressed by it.
posted by Faint of Butt at 3:10 PM on February 25, 2016 [8 favorites]
I see what you did there, and I'm really impressed by it.
posted by Faint of Butt at 3:10 PM on February 25, 2016 [8 favorites]
Is "Damn, Daniel" intended as a gay thing?
I don't think so? I mean, I couldn't say for sure, but I think SoCal teenage boys have a slightly different standard of gender performance. They seem like Bill and Ted to me more than anything else.
But I can see how it would lead you to ask "Where's the beef?"
it led to this tweet by Clorox which I have to say did not strike me as a real social-media-savvy brand.
posted by GuyZero at 3:14 PM on February 25, 2016 [5 favorites]
I don't think so? I mean, I couldn't say for sure, but I think SoCal teenage boys have a slightly different standard of gender performance. They seem like Bill and Ted to me more than anything else.
But I can see how it would lead you to ask "Where's the beef?"
it led to this tweet by Clorox which I have to say did not strike me as a real social-media-savvy brand.
posted by GuyZero at 3:14 PM on February 25, 2016 [5 favorites]
These boys both seem like sweet, decent young men (but wow? 14 and 15? I thought they'd be older) and seem to have a good sense of humor abut the whole thing overall. I don't know what needs to be explained -- just two kids goofing off and enjoying themselves. I don't need to watch it again but I liked it.
posted by darksong at 3:23 PM on February 25, 2016 [5 favorites]
posted by darksong at 3:23 PM on February 25, 2016 [5 favorites]
I'm getting old. At least wanting to like this makes me know I'm still alive.
Also, is that their school? With the huge pool?
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 3:26 PM on February 25, 2016 [1 favorite]
Also, is that their school? With the huge pool?
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 3:26 PM on February 25, 2016 [1 favorite]
it led to this tweet by Clorox which I have to say did not strike me as a real social-media-savvy brand.
Wow, that's a surprisingly cringe-free example of what could have been a Brands-Saying-Bae trainwreck. Still completely horrible, but yeah.
Anyway, because this is the internet in 2016, one of the kids involved got swatted.
posted by tobascodagama at 3:35 PM on February 25, 2016 [4 favorites]
Wow, that's a surprisingly cringe-free example of what could have been a Brands-Saying-Bae trainwreck. Still completely horrible, but yeah.
Anyway, because this is the internet in 2016, one of the kids involved got swatted.
posted by tobascodagama at 3:35 PM on February 25, 2016 [4 favorites]
Also, is that their school? With the huge pool?
It's not out of the norm for SoCal schools to have outdoor pools. My high school in the same county did.
posted by yasaman at 3:52 PM on February 25, 2016 [1 favorite]
It's not out of the norm for SoCal schools to have outdoor pools. My high school in the same county did.
posted by yasaman at 3:52 PM on February 25, 2016 [1 favorite]
I was also totally confused thinking non-Daniel was gay for Daniel. Even the Ellen show appearance didn't clear it up 100%. Who knew So-Cal teens were so cool with one man complimenting another on his appearance!? Kids today?
posted by Captain Chesapeake at 3:53 PM on February 25, 2016
posted by Captain Chesapeake at 3:53 PM on February 25, 2016
I think that's a major part of the appeal. Guys mostly make fun of each other but the joke here is that he's sincerely, though over the top goofily, complimenting his style. It's also probably a tease about how Daniel is kind of white boy jock basic, but in a loving way. I've watched it 300 times and it still makes me smile.
On the other hand, those vans are wack. Danny needs some Jack Purcells.
posted by Potomac Avenue at 4:02 PM on February 25, 2016 [9 favorites]
On the other hand, those vans are wack. Danny needs some Jack Purcells.
posted by Potomac Avenue at 4:02 PM on February 25, 2016 [9 favorites]
Gay? No, this kid came out of the closet as a complete Jeff Spicolli when Ellen gave him the surf board.
posted by C.A.S. at 4:05 PM on February 25, 2016 [5 favorites]
posted by C.A.S. at 4:05 PM on February 25, 2016 [5 favorites]
Vans hurt my feet.
posted by Chuffy at 4:19 PM on February 25, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by Chuffy at 4:19 PM on February 25, 2016 [1 favorite]
I like the meme, and for me it's because it reminds me of how my old skater friends I had when I was a teenager would constantly give each other light shit.
Like, when the friend who is a little vain but pulls it off shows up at the spot with their new deck and in their impeccable Vans, you give them just a touch of "look at Mr. Fancypants here, better not get any dirt on his precious spotless white shoes!" But y'know, it's all in fun and they do look good.
posted by joechip at 4:23 PM on February 25, 2016 [10 favorites]
Like, when the friend who is a little vain but pulls it off shows up at the spot with their new deck and in their impeccable Vans, you give them just a touch of "look at Mr. Fancypants here, better not get any dirt on his precious spotless white shoes!" But y'know, it's all in fun and they do look good.
posted by joechip at 4:23 PM on February 25, 2016 [10 favorites]
Josh's gratitude when he got the surfboard was so sweet! And he hadn't even seen what was written on it yet, he was just excited to get a surfboard.
Imagine Daniel one day trying to explain to his grandchildren why he has an endless supply of a very specific type of shoe. "My friend Josh had created a dank meme, which was the style at the time..."
posted by Ian A.T. at 4:48 PM on February 25, 2016 [33 favorites]
Imagine Daniel one day trying to explain to his grandchildren why he has an endless supply of a very specific type of shoe. "My friend Josh had created a dank meme, which was the style at the time..."
posted by Ian A.T. at 4:48 PM on February 25, 2016 [33 favorites]
At least the NYT is hip enough to realize that once something makes it to the NYT, it's no longer hip. (Nor am I, as evidenced by the use of the word hip.)
posted by CheeseDigestsAll at 4:58 PM on February 25, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by CheeseDigestsAll at 4:58 PM on February 25, 2016 [1 favorite]
Is it really that weird that a male teen would compliment another on their appearance? My friends and I did that when we were teens, ten years ago.
posted by gucci mane at 5:03 PM on February 25, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by gucci mane at 5:03 PM on February 25, 2016 [1 favorite]
In the same linguistic family as YAS GAGA!!
posted by Captain Chesapeake at 5:09 PM on February 25, 2016
posted by Captain Chesapeake at 5:09 PM on February 25, 2016
I was also totally confused thinking non-Daniel was gay for Daniel. Even the Ellen show appearance didn't clear it up 100%.
the people demand to know
I will not rest until every 14-year-old's sexual orientation is unambiguous
posted by threeants at 5:59 PM on February 25, 2016 [13 favorites]
the people demand to know
I will not rest until every 14-year-old's sexual orientation is unambiguous
posted by threeants at 5:59 PM on February 25, 2016 [13 favorites]
The requisite Damn, Daniel + Karate Kid mashup.
posted by Abehammerb Lincoln at 6:06 PM on February 25, 2016
posted by Abehammerb Lincoln at 6:06 PM on February 25, 2016
We get the memes we deserve.
posted by Token Meme at 6:06 PM on February 25, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by Token Meme at 6:06 PM on February 25, 2016 [1 favorite]
That's their high school, ThePinkSuperhero. It was mine too. That's the pool I learned to scuba dive in. It was part of P.E.
(Now I live in Canada. So when my high school days come up, it sounds a little like I grew up on another planet.)
posted by veggieboy at 6:11 PM on February 25, 2016 [2 favorites]
(Now I live in Canada. So when my high school days come up, it sounds a little like I grew up on another planet.)
posted by veggieboy at 6:11 PM on February 25, 2016 [2 favorites]
What? Why did Josh's house get swatted? That's terrible.
posted by sockermom at 6:26 PM on February 25, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by sockermom at 6:26 PM on February 25, 2016 [1 favorite]
I went to high school in Florida and we didn't have a pool. Damn Daniel.
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 6:28 PM on February 25, 2016 [2 favorites]
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 6:28 PM on February 25, 2016 [2 favorites]
I loved this thing and got it right away despite being way adult and all. But Josh's joy on getting that surfboard on Ellen was too much.
Also yeah, gay no, and that's part of the charm.
posted by zutalors! at 8:06 PM on February 25, 2016
Also yeah, gay no, and that's part of the charm.
posted by zutalors! at 8:06 PM on February 25, 2016
The meme might've gone by as quickly as it came, but apparently even fluff like this brings out the worst in people.
posted by flatluigi at 8:23 PM on February 25, 2016
posted by flatluigi at 8:23 PM on February 25, 2016
I just watched the surfboard bit again, and I noticed another adorable detail: Daniel patting his friend on the back in excitement for him!
It's interesting that people in the thread consider Josh to be complimenting him, though. I took it as friendly teasing that's become a running joke. That's a little different from a compliment, even if the teasing is good-natured and rooted in genuine approval of Daniel's appearance. He was, if you'll pardon the expression, joshing him.
posted by Ian A.T. at 9:13 PM on February 25, 2016 [5 favorites]
It's interesting that people in the thread consider Josh to be complimenting him, though. I took it as friendly teasing that's become a running joke. That's a little different from a compliment, even if the teasing is good-natured and rooted in genuine approval of Daniel's appearance. He was, if you'll pardon the expression, joshing him.
posted by Ian A.T. at 9:13 PM on February 25, 2016 [5 favorites]
I took it as teasing, too - like, "You're obviously not putting much effort into your outfits but I'm going to act like I'm blown away by them." I thought it was funny but the play it's been getting is unbelievable. I think the alliterative d's are helping on that, along with the guy's enthusiasm.
and - er - we had a pool at least that big at our high school - go Wolves 87!
posted by joseph conrad is fully awesome at 9:27 PM on February 25, 2016 [1 favorite]
and - er - we had a pool at least that big at our high school - go Wolves 87!
posted by joseph conrad is fully awesome at 9:27 PM on February 25, 2016 [1 favorite]
> Also, is that their school? With the huge pool?
I don't know why I felt compelled to investigate but it DOES look larger, in Google maps, than the nearest neighboring high school's, and bigger than the University's, too!
But whatever, it's hot as balls in Riverside.
posted by Ambrosia Voyeur at 10:09 PM on February 25, 2016
I don't know why I felt compelled to investigate but it DOES look larger, in Google maps, than the nearest neighboring high school's, and bigger than the University's, too!
But whatever, it's hot as balls in Riverside.
posted by Ambrosia Voyeur at 10:09 PM on February 25, 2016
Yeah, as far as California high schools go, I haven't been to all 884 of them but since I have two teenagers who both get around for sports meets I've been to more than I expected to. And what Californians call a "high school" a Canadian would call an "Olympic training facility".
There are CA high schools with nicer football fields than the Rogers Center although I haven't seen one with a retractable dome yet. They all have pools of some sort, some better than others. They have at least a softball and a baseball field and possibly multiples of each type. My own kids' middle-of-the-road high school has more gym space than the university I attended (maybe).
And on top of all that Josh clearly lives close enough to to the beach to be a surfer at the ripe old age of 14.
It's different out here.
posted by GuyZero at 10:14 PM on February 25, 2016
There are CA high schools with nicer football fields than the Rogers Center although I haven't seen one with a retractable dome yet. They all have pools of some sort, some better than others. They have at least a softball and a baseball field and possibly multiples of each type. My own kids' middle-of-the-road high school has more gym space than the university I attended (maybe).
And on top of all that Josh clearly lives close enough to to the beach to be a surfer at the ripe old age of 14.
It's different out here.
posted by GuyZero at 10:14 PM on February 25, 2016
I think it just reminds people of friendly teasing and makes them smile. I mean, who wouldn't want to josh around with a friend like that?
Plus, Daniel's slightly embarassed, but mostly amused goofy reactions and his good looks sell it.
posted by Omnomnom at 12:46 AM on February 26, 2016
Plus, Daniel's slightly embarassed, but mostly amused goofy reactions and his good looks sell it.
posted by Omnomnom at 12:46 AM on February 26, 2016
Chiming in to say this is completely unsurprising that this, an exuberant professed surprise at another's appearance/behavior, has caught on because it is a thing young teenage boys do all the time.
posted by P.o.B. at 4:23 AM on February 26, 2016
posted by P.o.B. at 4:23 AM on February 26, 2016
I'm kinda confused by the assumption that this is a gay thing or that it is bending gender norms like I grew up in a conservative Southern area and it would not have been fantastically out of character for one guy to compliment another guys shoes. Even more so among like my brothers friends who played basketball, for whom "sneaker culture" was a big thing. But I was born in '94 so this is probably due to my age.
posted by bracems at 4:46 AM on February 26, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by bracems at 4:46 AM on February 26, 2016 [1 favorite]
Shortly after I heard of this meme, I started noticing signs around Copenhagen saying something to the effect of "Daniel jeg kan være din kæreste" (Daniel I can be your girlfriend/boyfriend), which would have completely confused me if I hadn't heard of this in advance.
posted by vernondalhart at 4:47 AM on February 26, 2016
posted by vernondalhart at 4:47 AM on February 26, 2016
now I understand why people have been saying that to me and giggling
posted by feckless fecal fear mongering at 8:35 AM on February 26, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by feckless fecal fear mongering at 8:35 AM on February 26, 2016 [1 favorite]
This is just incomprehensible
Memes are an experimental science in the earliest stages of development, so there is some comfortable room for confusion here. Nobody really understands the theory behind what excites the collective consciousness to such a degree, and our best experimental apparatus to date (the internet) has only just come online recently.
posted by grog at 11:23 AM on February 26, 2016 [2 favorites]
Memes are an experimental science in the earliest stages of development, so there is some comfortable room for confusion here. Nobody really understands the theory behind what excites the collective consciousness to such a degree, and our best experimental apparatus to date (the internet) has only just come online recently.
posted by grog at 11:23 AM on February 26, 2016 [2 favorites]
Oh, I totally hadn't made the connection, vernondalhart.. hmm.
posted by nat at 3:24 PM on February 26, 2016
posted by nat at 3:24 PM on February 26, 2016
I bought white Vans last summer and now I'm gonna look even more lame aren't I?
posted by Hoopo at 3:52 PM on February 26, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by Hoopo at 3:52 PM on February 26, 2016 [1 favorite]
Although even that's been co-opted, see Totino's /r/youdontsurf reference that's so bad I'm not even mad.
I know some of the Totino's marketing team -- the so bad not even mad is completely intentional. Meme-ing the brand would fall flat ala /r/fellowkids so they cranked the absurdity up to 11.
posted by nathan_teske at 8:39 AM on February 27, 2016 [1 favorite]
I know some of the Totino's marketing team -- the so bad not even mad is completely intentional. Meme-ing the brand would fall flat ala /r/fellowkids so they cranked the absurdity up to 11.
posted by nathan_teske at 8:39 AM on February 27, 2016 [1 favorite]
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