The “Look Between Two Letters” Meme: A Closer Examination

The “look between X and Y letters on keyboard” meme has been making its rounds on social media, annoying many users. If you’ve been online lately, you’ve likely seen someone post something, usually with a photo attached, prompting users to “look between” certain letters on their keyboard. The purpose is to have a person read aloud the phonetics of the key or keys in between, as they usually have a connotation with the post.

For example, one version of this meme posted on Twitter goes like this: “Waiter: What’d you like to have? Look between R and Y on your keyboard.” The answer is “T,” short for tea. The meme dates back to 2021 and originally tied into anime, with users spelling out a character named Yui from the Japanese show “K-On!” since the keys are next to one another. However, it has recently hit the mainstream and gained popularity with big-time online accounts as well.

Even Guinness World Records has used this meme online. They posted: “Look between T and U on your keyboard,” with the answer being “Y,” short for why. Other accounts have taken advantage of keys like “J” and “K” being next to one another, abbreviating the phrase “just kidding.” (But don’t fall for anyone telling you to look between “H” and “L.”)

Major brands have also joined in on the fun. For instance:

• Sony, celebrating the theatrical re-release of Sam Raimi’s “Spider-Man 2,” asked who is going to re-watch the 2004 film, before encouraging fans to “look between Y and I on your keyboard.” The answer is “U,” short for you.
• Ahead of the NFL Draft, the New England Patriots got in on the just kidding joke, telling users they would know who they are drafting by looking between those two keys.

However, as with any viral trend, there comes a point when people start to tire of it. Social media users, many of whom don’t even understand the joke, are pleading for memers to “look between W and R,” “B and M,” and “S and F” — so that this may E.N.D. 😅

“This joke only lasts 0.01 second,” one user replied to a meme. “Just muting accounts at this point,” another wrote in frustration. “MAKE IT STOP,” emphasized a third. Even the Empire State Building chimed in, posting: “Instead of looking between two letters on your keyboard, look at me instead.” 😄

So, if you encounter this meme, remember to keep your sense of humor intact, and maybe take a break from looking between those keys! 😉🔍

Sources: ¹²³