It seems like NBA fans keenly see meme potential in their favorite players' simplest expressions and mannerisms.

In recent years, for instance, pro basketball player Karl-Anthony Towns has become an accidental meme star thanks to his distinctive voice, poses and gestures that fans humorously nicknamed "Zesty KAT."

For those that unfamiliar with the slang, "zesty" is an internet slang term most often used to call someone flamboyantly gay, sometimes in a derogatory manner.

KAT's "zesty allegations" aren't exactly a new topic online, but it significantly became popularized on Twitter / X and TikTok in the spring of 2025, inspiring fan edits, memes and parody content calling NBA All-Star "the most zesty player in the league."

KAT is the most zesty player in the league 😭 pic.twitter.com/DNZsZPiyxv

— Bones🦴 (@Boness305) May 10, 2025

So, what is the "Zesty Karl-Anthony Towns" meme, how did it start, and how people are posting jokes about KAT on the internet? Here's what we know.

What Is The 'Zesty Karl-Anthony Towns' Meme?

The Zesty Karl-Anthony Towns meme is all about making fun of how Towns acts, with fans and haters pointing out his over-the-top, flashy and often perceived "zesty" mannerisms on the court.

The jokes started back in December 2021 with a podcast interview from the time the NBA player was on the Minnesota Timberwolves, as an X user shared a clip of him captioning it, "This his speaking voice? Please respond."

This his speaking voice? Please respond pic.twitter.com/vHSdIjGytd

— Agave Blame (@blame_two) December 28, 2021

In the replies, various X users used the slang words "zest" and "zesty" to describe Towns' voice.

The joke gained significant momentum in early May 2025, after the official NBA Facebook page shared a picture of KAT and fellow basketball player Jayson Tatum's confrontation during the Celtics vs. Knicks game.

Towns' gesture in the photo spawned countless photoshopped versions and memes on Reddit, TikTok and Twitter / X in the following weeks as the meme went viral.

How Is 'Zesty Karl-Anthony Towns' Used In Memes?

The meme is primarily used to mock or humorously exaggerate Towns’ mannerisms and voice, often by highlighting moments in which he appears flamboyant during interviews and on-court reactions.

For instance, on May 20th, 2025, TikTok user @rankmuse posted a "top zestiest moments" ranking of Karl-Anthony Towns, featuring several such clips they perceived as zesty.

@rankmuse Ranking Karl Anthony Town's Zestiest Moments 💅🫦 #ranking #fyp #funny #memes #vine #fail #funnymoments #cringe #prank #rizz #newyorkknicks #nba #nbafinals #karlanthonytown #kat #karlanthony ♬ original sound – RankMuse

In late May 2025, the X page @PardonMyTake shared a clip of Towns doing a pass during the New York Knicks vs. Indiana Pacers in Game 3, captioning it, "Big Pur."

Big Pur pic.twitter.com/kWvsKs02Mg

— Pardon My Take (@PardonMyTake) May 26, 2025

What Are Some More 'Zesty Karl-Anthony Towns' Memes?

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For the full history of Zesty Karl-Anthony Towns, be sure to check out Know Your Meme's encyclopedia entry for more information.