A strange new viral trend has taken over TikTok and other social media sites recently – videos asking “can someone get this ham sandwich?” While the phrase seems totally random, it actually has an interesting origin story.
This odd video meme started in early 2022 on TikTok, where users make requests for a fictional person to come retrieve a made-up ham sandwich. The videos show people calling out “can someone get this ham sandwich?” to an empty room or public space.
At first glance, it makes no sense. But the peculiar phrase and concept has exploded in popularity, with thousands of videos being made putting unique spins on asking for the phantom ham sandwich handler.
Let’s explore the origins of this quirky trend and why it suddenly took off online, captivating viewers and inspiring endless funny interpretations.
Origins of the “Ham Sandwich” Video Trend
While it may seem nonsensical, the “can someone get this ham sandwich” trend can be traced back to a specific source – a viral clip from an actual court case.
In early 2022, a short video clip circulated on Reddit of an attorney in a Florida courtroom making an unusual request. In the middle of the proceeding, the lawyer solemnly declares “Your Honor, I think at this time we’re going to ask that someone get this ham sandwich from the back.”
The judge was understandably confused and clarified whether the attorney did in fact ask for someone to come collect a ham sandwich, to which he responds “Yes, Your Honor.” The absurdity of the sudden request made the clip an instant viral hit.
Soon, TikTokers latched onto the funny moment and began recreating it in their own unique ways. Thus, the “can someone get this ham sandwich” trend was born on TikTok and spread to other platforms like Instagram and YouTube as well.
Why “Ham Sandwich” Videos Took Off
There are a few reasons this peculiar meme has resonated so strongly online:
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Absurdity – The total randomness of asking for a fictional ham sandwich handler is strange yet hilarious.
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Confusion – Watching people’s baffled reactions to the absurd request is very amusing.
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Creativity – The meme offers lots of creative interpretation for everything from costumes to locations.
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Nostalgia – For older generations, “ham sandwich” harkens back to amusing courtroom moments and old Vaudeville comedy routines.
While nonsensical, the idea of loudly announcing one needs a random ham sandwich picked up just tickles people’s funny bone. We can all imagine how confusing it would be to hear in real life!
Examples of Viral “Ham Sandwich” Videos
The ways TikTokers have interpreted this meme are incredibly diverse:
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Deadpan videos literally repeating the original audio over mundane daily activities
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Using special effects to make it look like a giant ham sandwich appears
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Yelling the request in silly locations like a zoo or up a mountain
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Adding costumes like detectives or waiters to search for the absent sandwich
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Hilarious green screen edits transporting the speaker into courtrooms or restaurants
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Parody sketches acting out the sandwich retrieval gone wrong
Part of the fun is seeing the different spins people come up with on the simple concept. From acting out comedic sketches to utilizing eye-catching costumes, effects and locations, the variations feel endless.
Why “Can Someone Get This Ham Sandwich?” Resonates
At the end of the day, this meme has become a hit because it highlights the absurdity of human existence. The request is so random yet said with such seriousness that it highlights the inherent comedy of everyday life.
Asking strangers, friends or the void online if someone can fetch an imaginary sandwich hints at our shared yearning to find meaning in a world filled with things that don’t make sense or serve any purpose.
The ham sandwich has no owner and will never come – yet we all wish someone could deliver it, fulfilling its pointless purpose. Through this simple act, we see our own existential absurdity mirrored, and can’t help but laugh at the cosmic joke.
In the end, things don’t always have to make logical sense to bring joy. Our shared feelings of silliness, confusion and curiosity unite us through relatable humor.
So the next time you’re looking for some meme hilarity, just call out “can someone get this ham sandwich?” and wait for the smiles, laughs and philosophical rumination to come rolling in. After all, what could be more universally human than that?
Somebody get this ham sandwich out my court room
FAQ
What does ham sandwich mean in slang?
What is the saying on a ham sandwich?
Where did the phrase indict a ham sandwich come from?
Who said indict a ham sandwich?
Can you make a deli ham sandwich if you don’t have Ham?
Ham: If you don’t have any leftover ham, you can make the same recipe with deli ham. If you don’t like ham or want to make the sandwich even heartier, add some other deli meat like chicken or turkey. Toppings: Try adding more sandwich toppings like onions, spinach, arugula, bell peppers, or avocado.
Is ham gluten free?
Ham naturally by itself is gluten-free. Although, many companies made their ham with gluten-containing ingredients like broth, spices, and glazes. So, you must prefer brands that indicate they are gluten-free on the packaging.
Why should you make a ham sandwich?
Ham sandwiches. In short, there’s always a good reason to make a ham sandwich—and you should make sure that ham sandwich is always a truly incredible one. A ham sandwich recipe has to be easy—that’s the point—so really it’s just about picking the right ingredients so that everything blends together perfectly.
What makes a good ham and cheese sandwich?
Sandwiches are simple, but in that simplicity lies a subtle complexity that elevates a basic sandwich to something truly spectacular! What makes this ham and cheese sandwich stand out is the combination of salty ham, spicy onion, juicy tomato, peppery greens, smoky cheese, and the creamy, sweet-and-spicy honey mustard.