From GTA to Hitler to Football: The Unexpected Humor of Coronavirus

The coronavirus pandemic has disrupted everyday life worldwide, leaving many people feeling uneasy and gloomy. As this crisis continues, mental health concerns are rising, compounded by a steady stream of negative news. Maintaining a positive mindset is therefore more important than ever.

As a famous headmaster once noted, “Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times if only one remembers to turn on the light.” While that quote brings a smile, practical ways to stay well matter too. Alongside practices like yoga and other wellness habits, humor and laughter play a vital role in helping people cope.

Research and expert commentary have shown that laughter can reduce stress hormones like cortisol and support overall mental health. With that in mind, the team at EarlySalary compiled a selection of funny memes, jokes, and online trends intended to brighten days and spread a little levity during these challenging times.

Here are five of the funniest memes and posts we came across — shared with the goal of bringing a few laughs and a sense of connection.

#1 Birthday meme, by u/omega4life in r/memes.

r/memes remains one of the best places to find fresh, original humor. The subreddit is full of creative posts that spread quickly across the internet. One standout is a post titled “Maybe a corona meme” by u/omega4life, which captures the absurdity of celebrating milestones in the middle of a pandemic. It’s a great example of how humor helps people process strange new realities.

P.S. Reddit’s comment sections often add another layer of comedy, so check the discussion for extra laughs.

#2 Mask meme, by Lumpysauce on Instagram

Mask-wearing has been a contentious topic for some, with a few voices framing it as an infringement of personal freedom. Most people, however, wear masks to protect others and help curb the spread of the virus. That divide has inspired plenty of memes poking fun at those refusing to wear masks. One such popular post from @lumpysauce turns frustration into humor, highlighting how collective responsibility can clash with individual attitudes in a way that’s both funny and relatable.

#3 Wembley meme, by Wembley Stadium’s Twitter account

Many of us had big plans for 2020 that were upended by the pandemic. Wembley Stadium’s official Twitter account captured that collective disappointment with a simple, pointed meme that resonated with sports fans and event-goers alike. The image summed up what millions were feeling: hope deferred, and the possibility of returning to full stands another year.

Football fans were understandably disappointed to miss packed stadiums, but the meme offered a moment of shared understanding and a wry smile.

#4 Hitler has Coronavirus, and He’s Not Happy by YouTuber Puzzling Games

Fans of the film Downfall will recognize the format used in countless parody videos: a furious monologue repurposed with subtitles to reflect current events. Puzzling Games created a four-minute parody where the character rants about pandemic frustrations, edited and subtitled to mirror the tone of present-day sentiments. The result is a humorous, cathartic take on widespread irritation.

#5 A dead meme returns by ultimate_uwu-master on Memedroid

Some memes are timeless. Fans of Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas will recognize a classic line from protagonist Carl “CJ” Johnson that became a long-running meme. ultimate_uwu-master reused that format to comment on the recurring theme of pandemics striking in the 20th year of each century, reviving an old joke in a modern context. It’s a nostalgic and ironic take that many internet users appreciated.

Those were five of the funniest memes we found that helped lighten the mood during a difficult period. What did you think of the list? Do you have more favorites to share? Tag your picks with #MemeswithES on social media and help spread laughter and positivity.

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