created by jasoneppink on 25/02/2014 at 14:46 UTC
144 upvotes, 49 top-level comments (showing 25)
Comment by jasoneppink at 25/02/2014 at 14:46 UTC*
36 upvotes, 6 direct replies
My name is Jason Eppink and I'm the Associate Curator of Digital Media at Museum of the Moving Image in New York City. I do a lot of work with gifs at the Museum[1], and for our next installation, I want to engage Reddit to collectively curate and define a "canon" of reaction gifs. Reddit is one of the largest and most active communities of reaction gif users, so I'm hoping you'll share your expertise! Everyone who participates will be credited in the exhibition, which runs from March 12 - May 15[2]. It will be awesome.
2: http://www.movingimage.us/exhibitions/2014/03/12/detail/the-reaction-gif-moving-image-as-gesture/
Here's all I need from you: comment with what you would consider "classic" reaction gifs (e.g. Michael Jackson eating popcorn in Thriller or Orson Welles clapping in Citizen Kane). Then briefly explain what it means when you use it. Think of it this way: if you had to describe how reaction gifs are used in Reddit comment threads to your grandmother, which ones would you show her and how would you describe what they mean? My hope is that we end up with a consensus of 30 to 50 gifs and their translations.
I know one of the rules in this subreddit is 'No reaction gifs", but I'm specifically avoiding /r/reactiongifs (no offense guys!) because I want to make an academic distinction between these kinds of reaction gifs and MRW/HIFW gifs.
Okay! Looking forward to what we come up with!
3: http://www.reddit.com/r/gifs/comments/1yy4rn/hey_reddit_want_to_help_curate_a_museum/
Comment by RubixsQube at 25/02/2014 at 15:50 UTC
18 upvotes, 1 direct replies
I'm quite partial to this gif, which usually accompanies a frustrated, exasperated reaction to something boneheaded that someone else has done (often a public official or celebrity). There are many quality face palm gifs[1], but I believe Picard may have been the original.
1: http://replygif.net/t/facepalm
Comment by longknives at 25/02/2014 at 19:14 UTC
20 upvotes, 1 direct replies
This is used to express a quiet but deep sadness.
Comment by SmashBoomPow at 25/02/2014 at 21:30 UTC
19 upvotes, 0 direct replies
Nathan Fillion is speechless.[1] Used when someone is so incredibly wrong or stupid that you don't know where or how to respond.
1: http://i.imgur.com/whYfFDU.gif
Source is an episode of Castle, I believe.
Comment by mewo2 at 25/02/2014 at 15:42 UTC
27 upvotes, 0 direct replies
Homer disappearing into a hedge
Usually means that the poster wants to distance themselves from what's going on. This could be either because a fight has broken out, or because things have got weird and uncomfortable. Essentially the opposite of Dis gon b gud[1].
1: http://i.imgur.com/NnoGhN1.gif
Comment by this_skirt at 25/02/2014 at 16:06 UTC
22 upvotes, 1 direct replies
mind blown[1]. this might have been made for the purpose of reaction gifs.
1: http://i.imgur.com/WzjNqda.gif
Comment by [deleted] at 25/02/2014 at 17:35 UTC
24 upvotes, 2 direct replies
[deleted]
Comment by [deleted] at 25/02/2014 at 16:57 UTC*
24 upvotes, 1 direct replies
This is in the upper echelons of reaction gifs and has been in currency for several years. Its function is to express incredulity and confusion with regards to the content of another post. A great feature of this gif is that there is a sense of camaraderie present with the way "Jaguar fan" motions to his friend off-screen, as though the bafflement is self-evident amongst the audience (or commenters in the thread). Without a doubt a classic.
Comment by [deleted] at 25/02/2014 at 15:10 UTC
27 upvotes, 0 direct replies
Jeremiah Johnson's simple nod of approval. It's a pretty nice thing to be presented with, as it conveys sincere pride or support to the recipient. No gimmick, no attention-grabbing joke or attitude, just:
*you done good.*
Comment by catinhat123 at 25/02/2014 at 16:40 UTC
14 upvotes, 2 direct replies
Brent Rambo aka Thumbs Up Computer Kid
This reaction GIF is used to show approval of anything. If I responded to a post with Brent, it would be because it was a quality post and I don't have any more intelligent way to describe my approval than a thumbs up from a kid with a sweet haircut.
Comment by Demonkey00 at 25/02/2014 at 18:27 UTC
15 upvotes, 0 direct replies
Thumbs up asian guy[1] Usually a sign of approval; for an argument given, burn delivered, or funny content provided.
1: http://i.imgur.com/QvSpU.gif
Comment by [deleted] at 25/02/2014 at 16:14 UTC
22 upvotes, 2 direct replies
Usually used when someone gets burned in a thread, originating from this.
Comment by trayo at 25/02/2014 at 16:15 UTC
22 upvotes, 2 direct replies
It's used to express your reactions versus maybe your SO's reaction to something that is completely wrong. She would see something terrible and in the background you can find humor in it. Typically used in response to bodily fluids.
Comment by Greco412 at 25/02/2014 at 21:08 UTC
12 upvotes, 0 direct replies
For whenever you see something that you realize resembles a penis.
Comment by whomba at 25/02/2014 at 18:15 UTC
6 upvotes, 1 direct replies
When in a conversation with someone and they are giving me a choice between multiple items, all of which is positive.
"Do you want to go out for happy hour today or tomorrow?"
Comment by vladoman at 25/02/2014 at 21:08 UTC
5 upvotes, 1 direct replies
http://reactiongifsarchive.imgur.com/
Comment by mikepetroff at 25/02/2014 at 16:29 UTC
15 upvotes, 0 direct replies
A trivial expression of congratulations, usually sent when no one else appreciates the joke or post.
Comment by GirlWithRedHair at 25/02/2014 at 17:10 UTC
18 upvotes, 0 direct replies
I use this to convey indecisiveness. I value your argument and want to agree with you, but I'm not prepared for the consequences of doing so.
Or when having to choose between doing something morally good or right, and doing something you want to do.
Curb Your Enthusiasm episode 73 "Palestinian Chicken"
Comment by akpak at 25/02/2014 at 20:30 UTC
11 upvotes, 0 direct replies
Christopher Lloyd's "Yeah, I follow you. Interesting... Wait. WHAT?!"
Can also be used when you've just learned something that everyone else already figured out. "Did you know that Claire in House of Cards was also Jenny in Forrest Gump *and* Buttercup in The Princess Bride?!"
Comment by akpak at 25/02/2014 at 20:19 UTC*
5 upvotes, 1 direct replies
Stephen Colbert can't wait to see what happens next
Often used in the same context as "dis gon b gud"
Comment by h3nrywink13r at 25/02/2014 at 16:55 UTC
14 upvotes, 2 direct replies
Similar to the Citizen Kane clap, with more playful glee than intensity. Indicates such satisfaction and joy from something said on the internet that you stopped browsing and took a second to applaud.
(I <3 U MoMI! I work at Anthology so I am excited about this post[1])
1: http://imgur.com/r/ronpaulshops/vwMin
Comment by A-BIRDMAN at 25/02/2014 at 15:13 UTC
10 upvotes, 1 direct replies
I love seeing this gif because it usually means that an argument might be forming or someone is going to prove a point in a somewhat impressive manner. I also really really enjoy the way that he walks and his body language as a whole.
Comment by AngryGlenn at 25/02/2014 at 17:42 UTC
9 upvotes, 0 direct replies
Startled Baby[1] is a classic. This gif is used when something particular startling or unexpected occurs out of nowhere. To me, it perfectly encapsulates the reaction to the sort of "after this, my life will never be the same" moment that sneaks up and slaps you in the head.
1: http://i.imgur.com/z9uqU1F.jpg
Comment by mequals1m1w at 25/02/2014 at 19:15 UTC
9 upvotes, 1 direct replies
Typically used when you gleefully approve of something good that happens to your own sports team. Or misfortune for another team.
Comment by Linred at 25/02/2014 at 16:13 UTC
4 upvotes, 1 direct replies
I suggest to head over to /r/highqualitygifs for a higher quality of most of the gif posted here
