Where Did The Penguin Waiter Meme Originate? 'Your X, Sir' Memes Explained

If you've seen a photo of a posh-looking penguin serving up a peculiar or delectable item on a silver platter, you have an inkling of where the image comes from. The still is sourced from an iconic advertisement that was half cool animation and half nightmare fuel back in 2015, and it has since been turned into a less-than-kind meme format on the internet. Here's all you need to know about the Dole Dippers Penguin before you are hit with the condescending meme yourself.

Where Does The Image Of The Penguin Waiter Come From?

The image of a posh penguin wearing a bow tie, holding a towel, and holding up a silver platter comes from a 2015 advertisement for Dole Dippers ice cream. The ad shows the penguin waddling up to a duo of animated primates sunbathing by a pool, and serving them a silver platter of frozen, chocolate-covered banana snacks.

How Is The Image Of The Penguin Waiter Used In Memes?

The image of the distinguished-looking penguin waiter is often used alongside text that reads, "Your X, Sir," where X is replaced with an item of the meme creator's choice. A popular version of the meme shows a pair of boots edited onto the penguin's platter with the caption, "Your boots, bootlicker."

The meme implies that someone is subservient to authority, even if it's a boot that kicks him. Another example of the penguin serving up an item meme shows a pile of medication on a silver platter and is often posted by internet users to imply that someone is a few sticks short of a bundle.

---

For the full history of the Dole Dippers meme, be sure to check out Know Your Meme's encyclopedia entry for more information.