The situation involving the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s social media post reflects a larger conversation about language, body image, and the changing dynamics of internet culture. Here’s a more detailed breakdown:

Context

Monterey Bay Aquarium posted a playful description of their otter, Abby, using internet slang such as “thicc,” “absolute unit,” “chonky,” and “OH LAWD SHE COMIN.” These terms are often used in meme culture to humorously describe animals or objects that are notably large or heavy. However, in this case, their attempt at humor backfired, leading to criticism from different sides.

Two Main Sources of Criticism:

1. Body Positivity Advocates and Anti-Fat-Shaming Groups

Some of the backlash came from people who are sensitive to the use of body-related language, especially when it reflects patterns of speech that have been used to demean or objectify individuals based on their size. While these terms were aimed at an otter in a lighthearted context, many people found the language problematic because it echoed the same phrases often used to mock or stereotype overweight individuals.

“Thicc”: Originally used in African American Vernacular English (AAVE) to describe women with curvier, fuller bodies in an empowering way, it has since been appropriated and sometimes trivialized in mainstream culture.

“Chonky”: A playful way to describe overweight animals, this word has also been associated with memes, but it could easily be read as part of a larger discourse around weight and body shaming.

For those focused on body positivity, the casual use of these terms to describe an animal risked reinforcing harmful stereotypes or contributing to fat-shaming attitudes, even if unintentionally.

2. Cringe Factor: Outdated Meme References

Another line of criticism came from people who found the use of these internet terms, especially “OH LAWD SHE COMIN” and “absolute unit,” to be outdated or cringe-worthy. Internet slang and memes evolve rapidly, and by the time a brand or institution like an aquarium adopts such language, it may feel forced or out of touch with current online trends.

Cringe: When brands or institutions attempt to tap into internet culture for humor or relevance, they often walk a fine line. If the language feels dated, the attempt at engagement can fall flat, seeming awkward or as if they’re trying too hard to be relatable. In this case, the aquarium’s use of memes that had already peaked in popularity a few years earlier came off as inauthentic and “cringe.”

The Apology

Given the backlash from both groups — those concerned about body shaming and those put off by the awkward use of outdated internet slang — the aquarium felt compelled to issue a general apology. They likely realized that even though the intent was harmless and playful, the execution didn’t sit well with a broad audience, touching on sensitive issues related to body image while also missing the mark in terms of cultural relevance.

Their apology suggests they understood that humor based on memes, especially those with underlying connotations related to body image, can be tricky to navigate — especially for an organization with a broad and diverse audience. They likely recognized the need to be more thoughtful in their social media language to avoid offending or alienating people unintentionally. In Summary:

The situation highlights how language, particularly in the realm of social media and memes, is a minefield of interpretations. What might seem funny or harmless to one group can easily offend or annoy another. In this case, the aquarium’s use of dated internet slang and body-related terms sparked critiques from body positivity advocates and those sensitive to outdated meme culture, leading to their public apology. This underscores the importance of understanding both the implications of the language used and the fast-moving nature of internet trends, especially for brands or institutions seeking to engage with the public online.