Two astronauts float above Earth. One stares at the planet with wide eyes. The other stands behind him with a gun. You’ve seen this image a thousand times, even if you never learned its name.
The always has been meme is one of the longest-running templates on the internet. It’s older than most people think. It has also changed shape more times than almost any other joke format.
This guide covers where the meme came from, what it means, and why Ohio keeps showing up. You’ll also learn how to make your own and when to skip it.
What you’ll learn:
- The real start date (hint: it isn’t 2020)
- How the joke works, line by line
- Why the second astronaut carries a gun
- How to write a version that gets laughs
- The grammar rule behind “has” vs. “have”
What Does the Always Has Been Meme Mean?
The always has been meme shows one astronaut discovering a surprising truth. The second astronaut confirms it with a gun in hand. His reply is two words short and totally calm: “Always has been.”
The always has been meaning boils down to one idea. Something you just “discovered” was obvious to everyone else all along. In some cases it’s a secret the group was hiding on purpose.
Here’s the classic setup:
Astronaut 1: “Wait, it’s all Ohio?”
Astronaut 2: “Always has been.”
The first line asks a question. The second line answers it with a threat. That combination creates the humor.
The Image Itself
Every version has the same basic parts:
- Two astronauts in space
- A planet (usually Earth) in the foreground
- A first astronaut looking at the planet with a new realization
- A second astronaut behind him, out of his sight, aiming a gun at his head
The first astronaut never sees the gun. That detail matters. He’s innocent and curious. The second astronaut is calm and in control.
Always Has Been Meaning in Everyday Chat
People use the phrase outside the image too. If a friend says, “Wait, this app charges monthly?” you might reply, “Always has been.” Everyone understands the reference without a picture.
The phrase also works as a quick way to say:
- “You’re late to this.”
- “That’s how it works.”
- “We all knew that already.”
The tone stays playful. You’re poking fun at the surprise, not the person.
Why People Call It an Exploitable Format
Meme communities label this meme an exploitable. That means anyone can reuse the image by swapping in new text.
It’s also a snowclone. That’s a fill-in-the-blank phrase. The blank here sits in “Wait, it’s all ___?” Anyone can fill it with a new subject.
Finally, it’s a redraw format. Artists have remade the scene in many styles over the years. That’s rare. Most memes freeze in one image. This one keeps shifting.
Where Did the Always Has Been Meme Come From?
Many sites claim the always has been meme started in 2020. That’s wrong. The earliest version showed up in late 2016, and the meme went through several forms before it got famous.
The story starts with a simple drawing and ends with a polished edit that millions of people shared.
Always Has Been Meme Timeline
| Date | Version | Where It Appeared | What Changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| December 2016 | Flat Earth drawing | First known form. An astronaut finds Earth is flat. | |
| August 2018 | America version | 4chan | Earliest known use of “Wait, it’s all X?” phrasing. |
| Around 2019–2020 (exact date unconfirmed) | Ohio version | iFunny | The user “iOhioan” posts the world as all Ohio. |
| June 2020 | Chicken tenders version | Reddit (r/memes) | The realistic template appears and spreads fast. |
Each stage added something new. Let’s walk through them.
Stage One: The Flat Earth Drawing
The first version was a basic MS Paint sketch. One astronaut discovered that the Earth was flat. The other astronaut stood behind him, ready to keep it quiet.
That drawing mocked Flat Earth theory. It also planted the core idea: a hidden truth, a secret keeper, and a threat.
The sketch had no catchphrase yet. The structure was there. The wording came later.
Stage Two: The America Version
In August 2018, an anonymous 4chan user posted another MS Paint drawing. This version used America as the surprise. It also used the line that made the meme famous.
That’s the moment the meme gained its snowclone. “Wait, it’s all X?” and “Always has been” now formed a matched pair. Anyone could copy the pattern.
Stage Three: The Ohio Remix
Later, an iFunny user named iOhioan posted a version where the astronaut learned the world was all Ohio. That upload became one of the best-known early copies. It’s the reason the meme carries the nickname “Wait, it’s all Ohio?”
The next section explains why Ohio stuck.
Stage Four: The Realistic Template
In June 2020, a Reddit user named nickslicktricks posted a new look to r/memes. The scene now used realistic art instead of rough drawings. The user replaced the continents with chicken tenders.
This is the version most people picture today. It’s clean and easy to edit. It also looks good on a phone screen.
Case Study: How One Meme Changed Over Four Years
The always has been meme offers a neat lesson in how internet jokes grow. Look at what happened between 2016 and 2020:
- The idea came first. A secret-keeping astronaut and a shocked partner.
- The words came second. A phrase anyone could copy.
- The look came last. A polished image that anyone could edit.
Most memes spread in one burst. This one built up in layers. Each layer made it easier to share.
Why Does the Meme Say “Wait, It’s All Ohio?”
The always has been meme isn’t really about Ohio. The state landed in the name because one early version went viral under that wording.
That version came from iFunny user iOhioan. The upload showed the astronaut learning that all of Earth was Ohio. People remembered it. The name stuck.
Ohio’s Place in Internet Culture
Ohio already had a reputation online. Over the years, jokes about the state piled up across social platforms. People described it as strange, boring, or oddly mysterious.
That reputation made Ohio a perfect target. The state is real and familiar. It’s also seen as the butt of many jokes. Saying “the whole world is Ohio” lands as a gentle insult.
Ohio Is a Subject, Not the Point
Here’s a helpful way to think about it:
| Element | Role in the Joke |
|---|---|
| “Wait, it’s all…” | The setup |
| Ohio | The swappable subject |
| “Always has been.” | The punchline |
You can replace Ohio with anything. The first astronaut could discover that “it’s all spreadsheets” or “it’s all vibes.” The structure holds.
What About Other Early Subjects?
Ohio wasn’t alone. The earliest versions used America and a flat Earth. The chicken tenders edit became famous too.
Those examples show how the format works. A big, shared thing (Earth, a country, a state) gets reduced to something silly. The reduction creates the laugh.
Why Is the Second Astronaut Holding a Gun?
The gun makes the joke dark. It tells you the “truth” is something you aren’t supposed to learn. Even a harmless fact turns into a deadly secret.
Without the gun, the image would look like two friends chatting. With it, the second astronaut becomes a silent enforcer.
The Gun Signals a Secret
Think of old spy movies. A character learns too much and meets a bad end. The meme borrows that trope.
The second astronaut isn’t angry. He isn’t shouting. He’s calm. That calm makes the moment funnier. He’s done this before, and he’ll do it again.
Dark Humor Without Real Stakes
Dark humor works when the stakes are absurd. Nobody believes an astronaut will really shoot a colleague over a fact about chicken tenders. The mismatch between the tiny fact and the huge threat creates the laugh.
Here’s how the contrast works:
- Tiny discovery: “It’s all chicken tenders?”
- Huge response: A gun to the head
- Result: The mismatch feels silly instead of scary
The Origin of the Gun Idea
The first drawings already had a “cover-up” feel. The second astronaut stood ready to protect a secret. Later versions made the threat explicit by adding a pistol.
That change gave the meme its punch. It also gave it a warning label. If you post it somewhere formal, think about the setting first. We’ll cover that later.
How the Joke Works: The Logic Behind a Good Always Has Been Meme
Every strong always has been meme follows a simple pattern. Once you see it, you can build your own in minutes.
The Pattern in Three Beats
- The assumption: A subject everyone thinks is complicated or varied.
- The realization: The first astronaut says it’s all one simple thing.
- The confirmation: The second astronaut agrees, calmly and darkly.
Let’s break that down.
The Assumption
Good jokes start with something people believe. It might be “my job has lots of tasks” or “this app has many features.” The belief must feel true at first.
The Realization
Next comes the reveal. The first astronaut says the whole thing is really just one boring or silly thing. Think “Wait, it’s all meetings?”
The realization must feel both surprising and obvious. That tension is the sweet spot.
The Confirmation
Then the second astronaut answers. His line never changes: “Always has been.” The repetition is part of the charm. You expect it, yet it still lands.
Why the Pattern Works So Well
Humor researchers often point to incongruity. That means two ideas clash in a way that surprises you. Here the clash is between a trivial fact and a deadly reaction.
The meme also uses deadpan delivery. The second astronaut never reacts. Flat delivery makes a joke feel sharper.
Strong vs. Weak Subjects
Not every subject works. Compare these:
| Weak Subject | Why It Fails | Strong Subject | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|---|
| “Wait, it’s all things?” | Too vague | “Wait, it’s all email?” | Specific and relatable |
| “Wait, it’s all bad?” | No clear target | “Wait, it’s all reruns?” | Names a real pattern |
| “Wait, it’s all a secret?” | No surprise | “Wait, it’s all passwords?” | Reduces something big |
| “Wait, it’s all Tuesday?” | Random | “Wait, it’s all Monday?” | Taps a shared feeling |
A strong subject is specific and shared. People nod because they’ve lived it.
What Makes the Always Has Been Meme So Reusable?
Some memes die in weeks. This one has lasted for years. Several traits explain why.
It Has a Fill-in-the-Blank Structure
You don’t need to draw anything. You only need a subject. That keeps the barrier low.
The Characters Have No Faces
You can’t see either astronaut’s face. That’s a quiet advantage. Nobody can complain about a real person’s image. Anyone can imagine themselves in the scene.
It Works in Many Settings
The same template fits many topics. Here are common areas:
- Office life
- School and study habits
- Video games
- Online shopping
- Technology and apps
- Fitness routines
- Social media trends
Because the setup is generic, the meme jumps between communities with ease.
It Can Be Remade
Artists can redraw the scene in any style. That keeps the format fresh. Anyone who wants a new look can create one.
Quick Comparison of Template Styles
| Style | Look | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| MS Paint original | Rough, hand-drawn | Nostalgic or ironic posts |
| Realistic edit | Clean, polished | General sharing and phone screens |
| Custom redraw | Varies by artist | Niche communities and fandoms |
Variations of the Always Has Been Meme
The classic image isn’t the only option. Creators have bent the format in many directions.
Swapping the Planet
Instead of Earth, the first astronaut can look at any object. That might be the moon, a phone, or a pizza. This twist connects to object labeling, where people write text on items to make a point.
Changing the Art Style
Fans have redrawn the scene as cartoons, pixel art, and 3D models. The structure stays the same. Only the look changes.
Remixing the Text
Some versions twist the dialogue. The first astronaut might ask a longer question. The second might add a short line after “Always has been.”
Still, most people keep the original two-line form. It’s tight, and it works.
Case Study: The Chicken Tenders Edit
The chicken tenders edit deserves a closer look. It replaced the continents with food. That change did three things:
- It added absurdity. Earth made of chicken tenders is silly.
- It raised the image quality. The realistic look suited social feeds.
- It set the standard. Most later templates copy this style.
The lesson is simple. A small tweak plus a better visual can turn a niche joke into a mainstream one.
Funny Always Has Been Meme Examples
Examples help you see the pattern. Below are original ideas grouped by the type of joke. Use them as inspiration, not as copy-and-paste material.
Famous Early Versions
These are the classics that shaped the format:
- Flat Earth: “Wait, the Earth is flat?” / “Always has been.”
- America: “Wait, it’s all America?” / “Always has been.”
- Ohio: “Wait, it’s all Ohio?” / “Always has been.”
- Chicken tenders: “Wait, it’s all chicken tenders?” / “Always has been.”
Obvious Truths
These jokes name something everyone secretly knows.
- “Wait, adulthood is just paying bills?” / “Always has been.”
- “Wait, every recipe is just garlic and butter?” / “Always has been.”
- “Wait, the weekend is just laundry?” / “Always has been.”
Insider Knowledge
These work best inside a community that shares the experience.
- “Wait, half of coding is searching for errors?” / “Always has been.”
- “Wait, most meetings could be emails?” / “Always has been.”
- “Wait, every group project is one person’s work?” / “Always has been.”
Self-Roast Jokes
These poke fun at the poster. They tend to feel friendly.
- “Wait, my to-do list is all procrastination?” / “Always has been.”
- “Wait, my phone storage is all screenshots?” / “Always has been.”
- “Wait, my savings plan is all wishes?” / “Always has been.”
Everyday Topics
Here’s a quick list by theme to spark ideas:
| Topic | Sample Setup |
|---|---|
| Work | “Wait, the whole office runs on one spreadsheet?” |
| School | “Wait, the exam is just the homework again?” |
| Content creation | “Wait, every video is just a hook and a thumbnail?” |
| Social media | “Wait, the feed is just ads and reposts?” |
| Technology | “Wait, the cloud is just someone else’s computer?” |
| Online shopping | “Wait, every sale is the same price?” |
| Fitness | “Wait, results come from showing up?” |
| Gaming | “Wait, every quest is just fetching items?” |
Notice how each setup names a shared pattern. That’s the trick.
Mini Case Study: A Workplace Post
Imagine a marketing team’s chat channel. Someone posts a template with this text: “Wait, every campaign is just a deadline?” The reply: “Always has been.”
Why does that land? The joke names a real feeling. It’s also harmless. It invites coworkers to laugh together instead of pointing fingers.
This is a made-up example. It still shows the right tone: light, relatable, and low risk.
How to Make an Always Has Been Meme That Actually Works
Making one takes minutes. Making a good one takes a little thought. Follow these steps.
Step One: Pick a Subject People Already Suspect
The best reveals confirm something people half-believe. If nobody has ever thought about the topic, the joke has no tension.
Ask yourself: “What do my friends complain about?” That’s usually a goldmine.
Step Two: Write the Question First
Start with “Wait, it’s all ___?” Fill in the blank with a short word or phrase. Shorter works better. Long labels crowd the image.
Step Three: Keep the Reply Unchanged
Stick with “Always has been.” It’s the signature line. Changing it often weakens the effect.
Step Four: Choose a Template
Pick a clear blank version of the image. Look for one with enough space for text. Realistic versions usually read best on phones.
Step Five: Add Your Text
Place the question near the first astronaut or on the planet. Place the reply near the second astronaut. Use a bold, easy-to-read font.
Step Six: Check Your Grammar
Make sure “has” or “have” matches your subject. The next section explains the rule.
Quick Checklist Before You Post
- [ ] Is the subject specific?
- [ ] Do people already half-believe it?
- [ ] Is the text short?
- [ ] Does the grammar match?
- [ ] Is the setting appropriate for the gun imagery?
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overlong text. Cramped words ruin the look.
- Vague subjects. “Everything” rarely works.
- Mean targets. Punching down kills the fun.
- Copying old jokes. Fresh angles get more shares.
Always Has Been Meme Template and Generators
You can find the template in many places. You can also build one from scratch in any image editor.
Where to Find the Template
Look for blank versions on meme libraries and generator sites. Most offer a clean image with no text. Pick one with high resolution so your text stays sharp.
What to Look for in a Template
| Feature | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| High resolution | Keeps text crisp |
| Blank text areas | Gives you room to write |
| Clear astronaut poses | Preserves the joke |
| No watermark | Looks cleaner when posted |
Using an Online Generator
Online meme generators let you upload or select a template. Then you type your text and download the finished image. Popular choices include Imgflip and Kapwing. Both let you add captions to an image in a browser.
Features and limits change from time to time. Check each tool’s current options before you commit.
Using a Regular Image Editor
You don’t need a special meme tool. Any editor with a text feature works. The process is simple:
- Open the blank template.
- Add a text box for each line.
- Choose a bold font with an outline.
- Export as a PNG or JPG.
PNG keeps the quality higher. JPG gives smaller files.
A Note on Image Rights
Many meme images are edits of other work. If you plan to use one in paid marketing, check the rights first. For casual posts, memes are usually fine. For business use, caution pays off.
“Always Has Been” vs. “Always Have Been”
Grammar trips people up here. The correct form depends on the subject.
The Basic Rule
The meme starts with “it’s.” That’s a singular subject. So the reply uses has.
- “Wait, it’s all Ohio?” → “Always has been.”
If the subject is plural, switch to have.
- “Wait, they’re all bots?” → “Always have been.”
Quick Comparison Table
| Question | Correct Reply | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| “Wait, it’s all spreadsheets?” | Always has been. | “It” is singular. |
| “Wait, they’re all reruns?” | Always have been. | “They” is plural. |
| “Wait, everything is Monday?” | Always has been. | “Everything” is singular. |
| “Wait, we’re all tired?” | Always have been. | “We” is plural. |
Why “Has” Became the Default
The original phrasing used “it’s all.” So “has” became the standard. Most people remember the line that way.
Still, the plural form isn’t wrong. It just depends on your setup. Matching the verb makes your meme look polished.
A Tip for Tricky Subjects
If you can’t decide, rewrite the setup. Use “it’s all” to keep the reply as “has.” That’s the easy fix.
Why the Meme Still Works Years Later
The always has been meme is nearly a decade old. Most memes fade within months. This one keeps returning. A few reasons stand out.
The Joke Is Timeless
It doesn’t depend on a news event or a celebrity. It depends on a human habit: noticing the obvious late.
That habit never goes away. So the joke stays useful.
The Format Is Easy to Learn
New users grasp it in seconds. They don’t need a long backstory. They see the image and understand the point.
It Adapts to Every Era
Each generation adds new subjects. Years ago the jokes were about flat Earth and Ohio. Today they might be about apps, work, or trends. The frame stays the same.
It Has a Built-in Nostalgia
Older versions feel familiar. Newer ones feel fresh. People enjoy spotting both.
Fast Facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| First known version | December 2016 |
| Phrase introduced | August 2018 |
| Popular realistic template | June 2020 |
| Format type | Exploitable, snowclone, redraw |
| Core joke | Obvious truth plus deadpan threat |
When Should You Use the Always Has Been Meme?
Timing and setting matter. The meme suits some places better than others.
Good Places to Use It
- Group chats with friends
- Social media posts with a casual tone
- Hobby communities and forums
- Fan pages and gaming groups
- Internal team chats with a relaxed culture
Places to Think Twice
- Formal business emails
- Official company announcements
- Posts about sensitive events
- Anything involving real violence or tragedy
The gun makes the image edgy. In a casual setting, it reads as cartoon humor. In a serious one, it can feel tone-deaf.
A Simple Test
Ask yourself two questions:
- Would my audience laugh at dark humor?
- Would the joke still work without causing offense?
If both answers are yes, go ahead.
Tips for Brands and Creators
If you run a business account, keep the subject light. Joke about everyday annoyances, not people. Avoid topics tied to real harm.
You can also edit the template. Some creators replace the gun with a harmless object. That keeps the structure while softening the tone. It’s a smart move for family-friendly spaces.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Always Has Been meme mean?
The always has been meaning is simple. Someone learns a “shocking” truth, and another person says it was always that way. The gun adds dark humor to the reply.
When did the Always Has Been meme start?
The earliest known version appeared in December 2016. It showed a Flat Earth drawing on Reddit. The famous phrasing arrived in August 2018. The popular realistic template came in June 2020.
Why is Ohio in the Always Has Been meme?
Ohio comes from a well-known early version that an iFunny user posted. The state was already a common joke online. The meme isn’t actually about Ohio.
Why does the astronaut have a gun?
The gun signals a dangerous secret. It creates dark humor by pairing a tiny fact with a huge threat. Early versions already hinted at a cover-up, and later versions made it explicit.
Where can I get the Always Has Been meme template?
Blank templates appear on meme libraries and online generators. You can also build your own in any image editor. Pick a high-resolution version for the best look.
Is it “always has been” or “always have been”?
Use “has” when the subject is singular. Use “have” when it’s plural. Most versions start with “it’s all,” so “has” is the usual choice.
Is the meme only about Ohio?
No. Ohio is just one popular subject. The format works with any topic, including Earth, America, chicken tenders, or your own idea.
Quick Recap
The always has been meme began as a rough Reddit drawing in 2016. It grew into a catchphrase in 2018 and a polished template in 2020. Along the way it picked up Ohio, chicken tenders, and countless other subjects.
The joke rests on three beats: an assumption, a realization, and a calm confirmation. The gun adds dark humor. The faceless astronauts let anyone step into the scene.
If you want to make one, keep it short and specific. Pick a subject people already suspect. Match your verb to your subject. Then post it where dark humor fits.
Simple formats last the longest. This one proves it.
Nathan Cooper is a humor writer who enjoys creating clever puns, witty jokes, and lighthearted content that brings smiles to readers. He loves sharing fresh, family friendly humor that’s fun, engaging, and easy to enjoy.