Internet
milkshake duck
What does milkshake duck mean?
Any beloved internet darling who, the moment they go viral, gets dug up as a racist, abuser, or worse. The cycle is the joke: adoration, deep-dive, downfall, all before the news cycle ends. Named after Ben Ward's prophetic 2016 tweet that basically described every viral feel-good story since.
"That kid singing opera in Walmart is gonna be a milkshake duck by Friday, mark it."
Origin
From a 2016 tweet by Australian cartoonist Ben Ward (@pixelatedboat): 'The whole internet loves Milkshake Duck, a lovely duck that drinks milkshakes! *5 seconds later* We regret to inform you the duck is racist.'
Frequently asked questions
What is a milkshake duck?
A milkshake duck is a wholesome viral hero who gets unmasked as a problematic mess within 48 hours.
How do you use milkshake duck in a sentence?
"Everyone loved that guy for a day, then he turned out to be a total milkshake duck."
Where does milkshake duck come from?
The term originated from a 2016 joke tweet about a beloved duck that drinks milkshakes but is then revealed to be racist, capturing how quickly the internet builds up and tears down viral figures.
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