It's Gonna Be May! The Meme's Origin & Why It's Still Funny

Ever find yourself inexplicably chuckling at a picture of Justin Timberlake on April 30th? You've likely fallen victim to the enduring power of the "it's gonna be may" meme, a pop culture phenomenon that refuses to fade away.

This annual tradition, a playful twist on the NSYNC hit "It's Gonna Be Me," has become a staple of internet humor. The meme hinges on Timberlake's distinctive pronunciation of "me" in the song, transforming it into a phonetic "may." Each year as April draws to a close, social media platforms erupt with images, videos, and GIFs riffing on this simple yet effective joke. Brands eagerly jump on the bandwagon, crafting their own "it's gonna be may" content to engage with audiences. What began as a niche online gag has blossomed into a widespread celebration of silliness, nostalgia, and the enduring appeal of boy band-era pop.

The beauty of the "it's gonna be may" meme lies in its simplicity and accessibility. You don't need to be a die-hard NSYNC fan to appreciate the humor. The meme's reliance on a common phonetic misunderstanding makes it universally relatable. It's a lighthearted way to mark the transition from April to May, a digital celebration that acknowledges the passing of time with a touch of irony.

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The meme's widespread adoption also speaks to the power of nostalgia. For many, NSYNC represents a bygone era of pop music and boy band mania. The "it's gonna be may" meme offers a brief, often humorous, return to those memories. It's a shared cultural touchstone that connects people across generations, united by a common appreciation for catchy tunes and internet-born inside jokes.

Even Timberlake himself has acknowledged and embraced the meme. He joked about the eventual invention of memes, displaying a good-natured acceptance of his unwitting role in creating a viral sensation. This self-awareness further fuels the meme's popularity, demonstrating that even the subject of the joke is in on the fun. Former NSYNC member Joey Fatone even suggested creating an official "it's gonna be may" holiday, highlighting the meme's enduring cultural impact.

The meme's evolution has also been fascinating to observe. While the core concept remains the same the "gonna be may" pun the specific execution varies widely. Some memes feature images of Timberlake's face superimposed on various objects or scenarios. Others involve short video clips or animated GIFs that emphasize the phonetic similarity between "me" and "may." The creativity and ingenuity of internet users ensure that the meme remains fresh and engaging year after year.

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Beyond individual users, brands have also seized on the opportunity to leverage the "it's gonna be may" meme. Companies across various industries create their own versions of the meme, often incorporating their products or services into the joke. This allows them to connect with consumers on a more personal level, demonstrating a sense of humor and cultural awareness. However, brands must tread carefully to avoid appearing overly opportunistic or out of touch. The most successful brand-sponsored memes are those that feel authentic and genuinely funny.

The "it's gonna be may" meme is not alone in its annual resurgence. The "Wake Me Up When September Ends" meme, which features Green Day's hit song, follows a similar pattern. As October 1st approaches, social media is flooded with memes referencing the song's title, marking the end of September and the beginning of a new month. These cyclical memes provide a sense of community and shared experience, uniting people in a collective celebration of time and pop culture.

In 2020, to mark the song's twentieth anniversary, digital platforms like Spotify and Apple Music temporarily renamed "It's Gonna Be Me" to "It's Gonna Be Me (It's Gonna Be May)," further cementing the meme's status as a cultural phenomenon. This playful gesture demonstrated the music industry's recognition of the meme's impact and its willingness to engage with internet culture.

While the "it's gonna be may" meme may seem like a simple joke, it represents something much larger. It's a testament to the power of internet culture, the enduring appeal of pop music, and the human desire for shared experiences. It's a reminder that even the most unexpected things can become viral sensations, uniting people in laughter and nostalgia. So, as April 30th approaches each year, brace yourself for the inevitable onslaught of "it's gonna be may" memes. Embrace the silliness, share the jokes, and celebrate the enduring power of this beloved internet phenomenon.

The meme's longevity is also a testament to its adaptability. It's not just about posting the same image year after year. People constantly find new and creative ways to riff on the original joke, keeping it fresh and relevant. From incorporating current events to using trending meme formats, the "it's gonna be may" meme continues to evolve and adapt to the ever-changing landscape of internet culture.

The "it's gonna be may" phenomenon also highlights the importance of sound in meme culture. While visual memes are often the most prevalent, the "it's gonna be may" meme demonstrates the power of audio cues in creating memorable and shareable content. The distinctive pronunciation of "me" as "may" is instantly recognizable, triggering a wave of nostalgia and humor in those who are familiar with the song.

Furthermore, the meme's success underscores the role of fandom in shaping internet culture. NSYNC fans played a crucial role in popularizing the meme, sharing it widely and creating their own variations. This demonstrates the power of dedicated communities in driving online trends and shaping the cultural landscape.

The meme also serves as a reminder of the cyclical nature of internet humor. Trends come and go, but some memes, like "it's gonna be may," have a remarkable ability to resurface year after year. This speaks to the enduring appeal of certain jokes and the human tendency to revisit familiar sources of amusement.

In addition to individual users and brands, online communities also contribute to the spread and evolution of the "it's gonna be may" meme. Reddit, Twitter, and other social media platforms serve as hubs for meme sharing and creation, allowing users to connect with like-minded individuals and participate in the collective celebration of internet humor.

The meme's widespread adoption also raises interesting questions about copyright and intellectual property. While the "it's gonna be may" meme is based on a copyrighted song, its transformative nature arguably falls under the umbrella of fair use. However, the legal boundaries of meme culture remain a complex and evolving area.

Despite its lighthearted nature, the "it's gonna be may" meme also offers a glimpse into the dynamics of online identity and self-expression. By participating in the meme, users signal their cultural awareness and their ability to engage with internet humor. It's a way of demonstrating belonging and connecting with others who share similar interests.

The "it's gonna be may" meme is a fascinating case study in the evolution of internet culture. It demonstrates the power of simple jokes, the enduring appeal of pop music, and the collective creativity of online communities. It's a reminder that even the most unexpected things can become viral sensations, uniting people in laughter and nostalgia.

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"it's gonna be me" but the way he pronounces it is:

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"It's gonna be may" is a popular meme based on how Justin Timberlake sings the lyric "it's gonna be me" from NSYNC's hit 2000 song "it's gonna be me." The meme is used to make various jokes each year leading up to the month of May.

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The "it's gonna be may" meme, originating from a 2000 NSYNC song, resurfaces annually in late April.

The meme highlights Justin Timberlake's pronunciation of "me" as "may" in the song it's gonna

The meme features Justin Timberlake's song "It's Gonna Be Me" with the word "me" replaced by "may."

"It's gonna be may" is a popular meme based on how Justin Timberlake sings the lyric "it's gonna be me" from NSYNC's hit 2000 song "it's gonna be me." The meme is used to make various jokes each year leading up to the month of May.

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