Spongebob’s relevance in teenage culture is undeniable. Most teens (and young adults) who watched the show frequently use the show for examples, jokes or talking points in everyday conversation. Spongebob has also been used as a rich resource for memes. If memeing was like farming, Spongebob episodes would be a rich field of fertile soil, magical soil that could grow crops tenfold. Someone, somewhere out there is referencing an episode of Spongebob at this very moment.
Spongebob brings about a sense of community for those who watched the show as a child. It reminds us of simpler times. Spongebob brings us all together despite our irrefutable differences. My most sincere condolences go out to all those who either chose on their own accord or were not permitted to watch the show. If we remembered lectures and class notes as well as we do Spongebob references, we’d all have As. Maybe teachers should use Spongebob references more?
The most iconic Spongebob moments in all of Spongebob history, ranked:
- Hash Slinging Slasher
Who could forget the mishap of the unlucky fry cook that was left with a spatula for a hand? Nosferatu. The lights will flicker on and off! The phone will ring, but there will be nobody there. Spooky.
- I’m Dirty Dan
“Who you callin’ pinhead?”
- Krusty Krab Pizza
KRUSTY KRAB PIZZA. IS THE PIZZA. FOR YOU AND ME. This episode gave us the monumental “Spoons rattling” meme. And we all know what to do in the case of being stranded: find a giant boulder! “The pioneers would ride these babies for miles!”
- Is Mayonnaise an Instrument?
The best meme. This episode also brought us the most epic musical number in all of Spongebob history, the Bubble Bowl. Also, Squilliam’s epic defeat and a triumph for the poor underdog, Squidward made us all happy.
- Chocolate
The shriveled up grandma, Tom- the angry green fish screaming “CHOCOLATE!!!!”, so many bags.
- THICC Squidward
“You like Krabby Patties, don’t you Squidward?” Yes, in fact, so much that he exploded after it all went straight to all eight of his thighs. This episode inspired multiple memes.
- The Magic Conch
Parodying Lord of the Flies, Patrick, Spongebob and Squidward get stranded in the kelp forest. Thankfully, a plane happens to drop all of its food supply into the forest. Patrick’s mouth turns into a vacuum and perfectly portrays us (me) eating when we are really hungry. Spongebob and Patrick adopt the magic conch as their guide and will not let Squidward eat. Poor thing.
- The Best Time to Wear a Striped Sweater
I never take mine off.
“Wee-Woo WEE-WOO!” Don’t ever put spongebob or patrick in charge of ANYTHING. Remember that time they tried to raise a scallop? Exactly.
- Pretty Patties
This was the episode that taught us how greedy people like Mr. Krabs will take advantage and profit off of the naive with a good idea. It inspired the “when you open a pack of gum at school” meme.
- Ravioli Ravioli Give Me the Formuoli
In another failed attempt at stealing the Krabby Patty secret formula, Plankton builds a robot version of Mr. Krabs and tries to get Spongebob to tell him the formula.
- Spongegar
From season one, episode “SB-129” we are introduced to the ultimate meme generator, Spongegar, also known as caveman Spongebob or Primitive Sponge. We see Squidward lay on the ground while yelling “Future” after using a time machine and discovering a chromatic world.
- Fred
This episode taught us that beauty is fleeting and isn’t everything. Spongebob accidentally slammed Squidward’s face in the door, deforming his face and making him super attractive (for a squid). Everyone treated him like a celebrity.
He was number one. From the episode “One Krab’s Trash”, we see Squidward’s hopes and dreams (yet another meme) buried in the graveyard.
- Campfire Song Song
“C-A-M-P-F-I-R-E S-O-N-G Song”
- I NEED IT
Spongebob pays a visit to Sandy’s Tree Dome, without realizing: HE CAN’T BREATHE AIR.
- Weenie Hut Juniors and the Salty Spitoon
After being teased by the strongmen of Bikini Bottom, embarrassed in front of Sandy and sent to Weenie Hut Juniors, Spongebob is determined to get into the Salty Spitoon. Upon gaining entry, Spongebob injures himself and is rushed to the hospital.
- Imagination
Spongebob and Patrick pester squidward with their excessive giggles and other miscellaneous sounds when a plain cardboard box becomes their newfound source of amusement. When explaining how The Box works to a disbelieving squidward, Spongebob says “imagination”. As he creates a glittering rainbow by spreading out his spongy, yellow palms, he inspired a beautiful meme.
In case of an attack, just draw a circle around yourself in the sand! Not an oval though.
- This Grill is not a Home
When Spongebob gets traded to go work for Plankton at the Chum Bucket, Mr. Krabs regrets his decision to let Spongebob go. He puts his regret into song and performed (with Spongebob), arguably, the best love ballad of all time.
