Actors Matt Damon and Ben Affleck have become the unexpected subjects of a new meme thanks to growing rumors that their friendship has turned romantic. These rumors have been going around for a while now and even though there's nothing to suggest they're true, they've continued to spread in 2024 thanks in part to the "which could mean nothing" meme. But what does "which could mean nothing" even mean and why is it a meme? Here's what you need to know.

@pinktoadstooll i have gone down a rabbit hole on this crazy lore. all of this to say “which could mean nothing.” #benaffleck #mattdamon ♬ margaret – ♱

What Does 'Which Could Mean Nothing' Mean In Relation To Matt Damon And Ben Affleck?

Matt Damon and Ben Affleck are known to be very close friends. They've known each other since they were children and have worked together in numerous films, including Good Will Hunting. That friendship, which has been largely documented in the media, has lead to rumors and speculation over the years by people suspecting the two might be more than just platonic friends.

In January 2021, gossip website Lainey Gossip decided to play with these rumors by giving an article about Matt Damon and Ben Affleck the title, "Matt Damon not wearing wedding ring again during another visit to Ben Affleck's house which could mean nothing." A screenshot of the title went viral online, as some framed the phrase "which could mean nothing" as a sly way of suggesting that it could actually mean he took off his wedding ring to hook up with Affleck.

How Is 'Which Could Mean Nothing' Used In Memes?

Since 2021, the phrase "which could mean nothing," specifically as a reference to the viral headline, has spread online as a catchphrase. As a meme, the phrase is often used in response to an image or photograph of two people who aren't confirmed or even reasonably suspected to be together, to suggest that they might just be together anyways.

The phrase became notably popular in the middle of 2024 as the rumors about Damon and Affleck saw a sudden burst in interest. It then continued to spread and has now been used in reference to lots of different people, including actors Mike Faist and Josh O’Connor from the film Challengers.

---

For the full history of "which could mean nothing," be sure to check out Know Your Meme's encyclopedia entry for more information.