Few shows have inspired as many memes as SpongeBob SquarePants. While some of these meme formats come and go, one particular format known as "Oh that's real nice" has proven its staying power, with tons of viral examples popping up throughout the 2020s. But where does the meme come from and how is it used? Here's what you need to know.

What Is The 'Oh That's Real Nice' Meme?

In October 2001, the 43rd episode of SpongeBob SquarePants aired in North America. In the episode, SpongeBob tries to escape from a bully by any means necessary, including by hiding in a toilet. As he hides in the toilet, one fish opens the lid to use the toilet, sees SpongeBob (as a realistic yellow cleaning sponge) and tiredly exclaims, "Oh that's real nice."

A screenshot of the fish looking into the toilet was shared online as early as 2015 and became the subject of Photoshop and object-labeling memes in 2017. The meme wouldn't really take off until 2020 though, when memers started taking it in wild new directions.

How Is 'Oh That's Real Nice' Used In Memes?

In 2020, people began using the image of the fish looking into the toilet in a new way. Versions of the meme attaching vague captions about disasters, bizarre situations and little-known knowledge on a variety of topics began going viral. For example, one of the earliest versions of the meme features the caption, "Oh, there is a severed head in a toilet in the restroom at Applebee's at 9364 WI-16, Onalaska, WI," practically begging viewers to look up the claim.

Since then, countless other versions of the meme have gone viral sharing similar examples of "forbidden knowledge." One popular version claims there is a dead god at the bottom of the Mariana Trench. Another jokes about the dangers of a command box popping up when you boot up your PC, which can sometimes mean you have a virus (but not always). In a way, the meme is used as another way to tell someone to not Google something, relying largely on reverse psychology for success.

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For the full history of "Oh that's real nice," be sure to check out Know Your Meme's encyclopedia entry for more information.