Sometimes these are (hopefully) exaggerated, with many of the earlier image-based iterations of the meme being used to confess to crimes or express offensive opinions. Yet as it has spread and captured the imagination of TikTok in particular, the revelations have become more intimate and seemingly closer to the truth. For example, claiming pride in refusing to get a driver’s license or being unable to hold down a steady job.
The use of the lion in these confessions implies a sense of distance, watching oneself from the outside while also dismissing a trait or an issue that might upset a “lesser mortal.” This stems from the mockery of subcultures that have inspired the meme. The first of these being the “sigma male” whom “The Lion” is presumed to represent.
A concept that originated in the manosphere, a sigma is a type of man who exists outside of the supposed male hierarchy of successful, confident, womanizing “alphas” and pathetic, perpetual loser “betas.”
A 2021 piece by Miles Klee on MEL, a publication that shares from the “male point of view,” suggests that the sigma label is “an asterisk to the core dogma of dominance.” Klee says that it gives those obsessed with masculinity a way to categorize themselves as “special,” similar to an MBTI type or zodiac sign. In essence, a sigma is capable of an alpha’s accomplishments but considers himself above the mainstream pecking order that he is a part of. He is not concerned with popular ideas of masculine social status.
Added to this is a parody of the grindset, a school of thought that glorifies constant hard work and self-improvement above all else. A trend analyst in the New York Times explains that “The Lion” is satirizing the influencer Ashton Hall’s ludicrous grind mentality. His 3:50 AM wakeup call, banana skin care, and ice-bowl face dunk routine was mocked when it went viral earlier this year.
The cringeworthiness of identifying with these ideas facilitates an appreciation of inspirational quotes, such as “the lion does not turn around when the small dog barks,” a sentence sometimes given the dubious attribution of an “African proverb.” The saying is credited with starting this meme, underlining its purpose as setting the user apart as a strong individual who does not bend to annoyance or expectation.
With these origins, it is little surprise that the meme skewed towards dark, prejudiced, misogynistic humour in its infancy, highlighting “The Lion” as someone who held a sense of superiority for engaging in socially unacceptable actions. Although the meme has become a lot less controversial and a lot more PG as it evolves, it retains this transgressive air. There remains the expectation that many would not agree with whatever “The Lion” decides to do, and they will do it anyway.
Most of those using the meme ironically identify with the “sigma” label. It’s more likely that they are a crucial part of the origin story to every single piece of content in this format. No matter how relatable the scenario is, the way it is packaged means that it sets the individual apart, nonetheless. It often tells a secret, or at least, something that the memer would not admit to everybody in their lives. To bring it to the attention of a much wider audience requires the framing of deluded arrogance, just in case somebody takes it the wrong way. Not that “The Lion” would waste their time arguing with them if they did, of course.
It is striking how a lot of people who participate in this trend are not afraid to use it to express genuine anxieties. For example, there are numerous iterations in which TikTokers talk about their experience of worrying health symptoms. It takes a topic that, even now, can be a social media taboo. Now, it’s turned into entertainment that others may relate to. While it still acknowledges an element of shame surrounding circumstances, health-related or otherwise, the alter ego of “The Lion” reveals these personal details unencumbered by these insecurities.
The transition from an image meme to a TikTok trend has also meant that it has become far more personal. People are making these jokes and admitting these truths with full identity attached, a true step up from the “relatable” meme humor that thrived before this.
Using the internet as a platform to confess weaknesses is nothing new, not when there is a chance that others will recognize themselves in it. However, it has never been more widespread, acceptable, and pinpointed to the individual, as “The Lion” trend has demonstrated. Being vulnerable is just as much of a valid form of social currency as perfection, so long as it’s cloaked in an appropriate layer of irony. The sensitive clout-chasers of today are in luck, because they can pick and choose how to present their vulnerability using the rhetoric of those who have already embarrassed themselves with their beliefs. But, the lion never gets embarrassed on the internet anyway.
