Created by American college student Carlos Ramirez in 2008, it was initially designed to accompany the spoof comics he drew, which mostly centered on plots of "pranks" and "messing with people". It is a simple line drawing, usually featuring a wide open mouth and eyes squinted into slits, with an expression of playfulness, sarcasm and complacency, conveying the feeling of "I'm just messing with you".
It rose to popularity online after 2008, becoming one of the most iconic meme images in early internet culture, widely appearing on forums, social platforms, games and videos. Numerous variations have been derived, such as secondary creations combining elements from other memes, but its core "mocking smile" remains its most recognizable feature.