How did the IShowSpeed "Smiling Trying Not To Laugh" meme get so popular? Origins explored

YouTube streamer Darren "IShowSpeed" is a known troll and his animated antics have often led to some outlandish consequences and memes. One such meme-worthy clip can be traced back to 2021 which has since become a viral hit among fans within the online community. So much so, that fans have started to compare that with other viral clips.

The clip in question is popularly referred to as the "Smiling Trying Not To Laugh" meme. In the meme, IShowSpeed can be seen trying his best to keep a somber expression despite wanting to laugh.

IShowSpeed's viral meme from 2022 (Image via YouTube)

Whenever there have been other clips which feature a similar expression, fans have found a way to refer them back to Darren's iconic clip. For example, during the recently concluded presidential debate, Donald Trump ended up making a similar face. Fans were quick to draw parallels:

Fans compare Donald Trump's somber expression with that of the YouTuber (Image via X)

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What is the origin of the IShowSpeed 'smiling' face?

YouTube streamer IShowSpeed is no stranger to creating meme-worthy moments. Such was the case during his stream on December 30, 2021, when he was wagering with a fan in the popular battle royale game Fortnite.

During the 1v1 battle, however, the fan appeared with a screeching voice, crying out for the victory. Possibly trolling, the fan appealed to the streamer, stating that his mother was homeless and that he wanted to win the wager to help her out.

Watch the viral stream here:

(Timestamp: 02:08:00)

Naturally, the streamer tried to keep a straight face as the fan kept making his request through the Discord call. However, seeing the streamer do his best to hide the laughter, another individual joined the call and called him out, stating that they were watching the stream and knew he was laughing.

Realizing that he had been caught red-handed, the streamer couldn't help but break into a smile. He even stopped playing the game, and the screen showed the original player killing him, getting some free wins.

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Of course, this isn't the only meme-worthy antic that IShowSpeed has produced over the years. One of his most viral and yet controversial moments was when he accidentally flashed his privates while playing Five Nights at Freddy's.

Another iconic meme traces back to 2021 when a fan asked him which soccer team he supports, to which he uttered "Cristian Ronaldo" (he meant to say Cristiano). This started a slippery slope of events which ultimately led to him meeting the Portuguese superstar in 2023.