Have you noticed a guy with a super pronounced chin putting his hand on another character’s shoulder, staring at them like he’s about to deliver some deep life advice—or maybe a devastating twist? That’s the hand on shoulder meme, and it’s been making waves, especially on French Twitter. Originally pulled from a 1970s anime, this image has taken on a life of its own, showing up in redraws, GIFs, and even TikTok trends. Whether it’s used for dramatic effect, ironic humor, or to signal a “game over” moment, this meme just won’t quit.

It started off as a niche reference among anime fans but quickly spread. People started redrawing the scene with characters from all kinds of fandoms—like Jujutsu Kaisen, Disney movies, and even Kermit and Pepe. Some versions keep the original vibe, while others twist it into something completely different. Either way, it’s become a favorite for internet users who want to add a little drama or sarcasm to their posts.

So, if you’ve been wondering where this meme came from, why it’s everywhere, or how you can use it in your own social media posts, you’re in the right place. Stick around—we’ve got the full story, from its obscure anime beginnings to its current place in meme history.

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Table of Contents

• The Origin of the Hand on Shoulder Meme
• How the Meme Evolved Across Fandoms
• Where to Find and Use the Meme
• How to Make Your Own Hand on Shoulder Meme
• Frequently Asked Questions

The Origin of the Hand on Shoulder Meme

The hand on shoulder meme comes from a scene in a 1970s anime called Akakichi no Eleven, created by the same team behind the iconic boxing anime Ashita no Joe. The scene shows a character with a very distinctive, exaggerated jawline placing his hand on another character’s shoulder while looking at him with a serious or slightly ominous expression. This frame became a still image that eventually found its way into meme culture.

At first, it wasn’t really a meme in the modern sense. It was more of a cult reference among older anime fans. But thanks to French Twitter’s love for obscure anime finds, the image got a second life. People started sharing it not just for nostalgia, but as a flexible template for all sorts of emotions—like reassurance, disappointment, or even manipulation.

What makes this image so powerful is its simplicity. The body language is clear: one character is making a physical gesture that carries emotional weight. This makes it perfect for remixing into different contexts. Whether it’s used to show support or to signal that something’s gone completely off the rails, the image speaks volumes without a single word.

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How the Meme Evolved Across Fandoms

Once the hand on shoulder meme started gaining traction, especially in French-speaking corners of the internet, it didn’t stay tied to its original source for long. Fans began redrawing the scene using characters from other series, creating hilarious or dramatic reinterpretations. For example, someone might draw Goku putting his hand on Vegeta’s shoulder with a serious look, or even have Giselle from Disney’s Enchanted doing the same to Bambi.

These redraws aren’t just fan art—they’re part of a growing trend where users remix classic anime imagery to fit modern contexts. Some use the meme to highlight emotional tension in a story, while others go for absurd humor, like having Pepe the Frog comfort Kermit the Frog after a rough day. The meme also found its way into non-anime fandoms, appearing in memes about movies, games, and even real-life situations.

One of the more popular versions of the meme flips the tone from serious to sarcastic. Instead of a heartfelt moment, the scene becomes a “sorry, buddy” moment where the person with the hand on the shoulder is basically saying, “You’re on your own now.” It’s a versatile format that adapts well to many moods and situations, which is probably why it’s still going strong.

Where to Find and Use the Meme

If you're looking to find and use the hand on shoulder meme, you won’t have to dig too deep. It’s already all over the internet, especially on platforms like Twitter, TikTok, and image-sharing sites like Tenor and Imgur. On Twitter, you’ll often see it in anime-related threads or when people are joking about dramatic interactions. TikTok users have even created short videos mimicking the meme’s pose and expression, sometimes with added music or sound effects for extra flair.

Tenor, the popular GIF keyboard app, has a whole collection of hand on shoulder animated GIFs. These GIFs are great for quick reactions in text messages or social media comments. You can find versions that match different moods—some are sincere, others are clearly sarcastic or over-the-top.

If you’re into making your own memes, sites like Imgur or Meme Generator let you upload your own image or use a template. Just upload the hand on shoulder image (or pick one from their library), add your own captions, and boom—you’ve got a custom meme ready to share. Some people even go the extra mile by drawing their own versions and sharing them with captions like “Hand on shoulder but it’s [insert fandom here]” to get more engagement.

How to Make Your Own Hand on Shoulder Meme

Making your own hand on shoulder meme is easier than you might think. All you need is a basic understanding of meme templates and a little creativity. Here’s a quick step-by-step guide to get you started:

1. Find the base image: Search for “hand on shoulder meme” or “Akakichi no Eleven hand on shoulder” to get the original image or a popular redraw.
2. Use a meme generator: Sites like Imgur, Meme Generator, or Canva allow you to upload an image and add text or other visuals.
3. Customize the scene: Replace the original characters with ones from your favorite fandom, or create a real-life version using your own photos.
4. Add captions or dialogue: Keep it short and punchy. The meme works best when the emotional tone is clear—whether it’s sincere, funny, or just plain weird.
5. Share and tag: Post it on Twitter, Reddit, or Instagram, and use relevant hashtags like #handonshouldermeme or #animevibes to help others find it.

If you’re an artist, you can try drawing your own version and sharing it on platforms like Twitter or DeviantArt. Many users love seeing fan-made takes on the meme, especially when they’re stylized to match the original anime’s aesthetic. Some even post side-by-side comparisons of the original and their version, which adds a fun layer of creativity to the trend.

Just remember, the best memes are the ones that feel personal and relatable. Whether you’re recreating a heartfelt moment or making a joke about someone’s questionable life choices, the hand on shoulder meme gives you a lot of room to play around.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where did the hand on shoulder meme come from?

The meme comes from a scene in the 1970s anime Akakichi no Eleven, which was created by the same team behind Ashita no Joe. A single frame from the series featuring a character placing his hand on another character’s shoulder became a popular meme decades later, especially on French Twitter.

Why is the hand on shoulder meme so popular?

Its popularity comes from its emotional expressiveness and adaptability. The simple gesture of placing a hand on someone’s shoulder can convey a wide range of emotions—from encouragement to disappointment to subtle menace. This makes it perfect for remixing across fandoms and real-life situations.

Can I create my own version of the hand on shoulder meme?

Absolutely! You can use meme generator sites to upload your own image or pick a template. Artists often redraw the scene using characters from other shows or even real-life photos. Just make sure to capture that iconic hand-on-shoulder pose and add a caption that fits the mood you’re going for.