The 'Putting on Clown Makeup' meme, also known as 'Clown Makeup Tutorial,' utilizes a series of images depicting the step-by-step application of clown makeup. This meme format typically features someone metaphorically transforming into a clown by progressively applying makeup, used to illustrate a person making progressively poorer decisions or presenting weaker arguments in a humorous way. It visually captures the transformation through increasing stages of applying clown makeup to underline the folly of the actions or reasoning being mocked.
The meme was inspired by a video from the YouTube channel SmiffysFancyDress, titled 'Male Clown Make-up Tutorial,' posted on October 28, 2015, which provided a detailed guide on applying clown makeup. The original video walked viewers through a five-step makeup application process. The meme format itself first appeared on Facebook in a post by user Trash Bin on May 21, 2019. This initial adaptation of the video into a meme format featured still images from the video set against descriptions of various political scenarios.[1]
Origin: 2015