Let’s jump into the fascinating (and kinda hilarious) story of the meme, how do you do fellow kids, how it started, why it spread, and what it means today.
Key Takeaways
- “How Do You Do Fellow Kids” began on 30 Rock and became a viral meme.
- Its appeal lies in being short, relatable, and easy to remix.
- People use it to highlight awkward attempts to seem younger or “in the know.”
- Its adaptability keeps it alive across social platforms.
What Does “How Do You Do Fellow Kids” Mean?
There’s a guy—usually an older person—trying way too hard to fit in with younger generations. That awkward blend of enthusiasm and cluelessness makes it super funny. It’s a poke at trying to talk “young” but failing spectacularly.
The Origin Story
- It all began in “30 Rock”: In the TV show 30 Rock, Steve Buscemi plays a detective who goes undercover at a high school. He strolls in wearing a backwards cap and hoodie, says, “How do you do, fellow kids?”
- That moment just nailed the feeling of trying (and failing) to fit in.
- Fans of 30 Rock clipped that scene. It landed on Reddit, Tumblr, and memes exploded across the internet.
Why Did It Go Viral?
| Reason | Why It Worked |
| Relatable | Everyone knows someone—or has been someone—who tries too hard to “fit in.” |
| Short & Memorable | One line, instantly funny, and easy to remix. |
| Versatile | Works for any awkward “trying to be younger” moment. |
| Timely | Social media thrives on quick, funny, shareable content. |
Platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok embraced it fast. You’d see captions like “When your dad uses Gen Z slang” or “Corporate trying to be cool” with that image or clip. The meme just kept evolving.
How to Remix It (and Why It Works So Well)
Here’s why this meme stays fresh:
- Customization: You can insert almost anything:
“How do you do, fellow ______?”
Fill in with “influencers,” “gamers,” “environmentalists”—whatever fits. - Visual Flexibility: The classic image or video from 30 Rock is instantly recognizable.
- Social Commentary: It’s funny and insightful—highlighting things like corporations trying to be “woke,” old folks on social media, or marketers chasing trends.
FAQs
What show did “How Do You Do Fellow Kids” come from?
It’s from 30 Rock, played by Steve Buscemi as an undercover detective in a high school. He says the line with a backward cap, making it super awkward—and memorable.
Why did this meme go viral?
Because it’s relatable and super easy to adapt. It perfectly captures the feeling of “trying way too hard.” Plus, short memes spread fast online.
How many times should I use “How Do You Do Fellow Kids” in my content?
Aim for 6–8 times, as we’re doing here. That keeps it SEO-friendly without looking spammy.
Can I use this meme for marketing or ads?
Yes—as long as it fits your brand voice and doesn’t come off as desperately “trying to be cool.” Done right, it’s clever. Done wrong, it’s cringey.
Is this meme still relevant?
Totally. From memes about Gen X parents on TikTok to corporations trying slang, it remains a go-to for awkward attempts at being “hip.”
Final Thoughts
The How Do You Do Fellow Kids meme is more than just a funny screenshot; it’s a cultural moment wrapped up in awkwardness, humor, and relatability. It teaches us that trying too hard rarely works—but at least it makes for a great meme.
Just imagine every time someone tries teenage slang or “kids these days,” you hear that goofy line in your head. That’s what keeps this meme alive.
Got a favorite version of the meme? Maybe a hilarious corporate attempt? I’d love to hear about it!