When Simple Gets Needlessly Complicated
Increasingly Verbose Memes take simple concepts and express them with escalating complexity, often culminating in absurdly formal or pseudo-intellectual language. The format satirizes r/iamverysmart culture, academic pretension, and the human tendency to overcomplicate simple ideas.
Format & Evolution (2016-2019)
The classic structure presents the same concept in 3-5 tiers of increasing verbosity:
Example progression:
- “running” (simple)
- “going fast on foot” (descriptive)
- “accelerated bipedal locomotion” (technical)
- “rapidly propelling one’s corporeal form through space via alternating limb extension” (absurd)
The format emerged on Reddit r/coaxedintoasnafu around July 2016, spreading to r/me_irl and r/ExpandDong. By 2017, it merged with other templates like “Expanding Brain” (showing increasingly glowing brains for each tier).
Cultural Significance
The meme mocked several targets simultaneously:
- Academic jargon: Disciplines where simple concepts hide behind complex language
- Thesaurus abuse: Trying to sound smart by using obscure synonyms
- Reddit “well actually” culture: Pedantic overcorrection
- Corporate speak: Business terminology that obscures rather than clarifies
It became particularly popular among STEM students, academics, and anyone frustrated with unnecessarily complicated explanations. The humor came from recognition—everyone has encountered (or been) the person who takes five minutes to say what could be said in five seconds.
Notable Variations
- Reverse verbose: Starting complex, becoming caveman simple (“big run fast”)
- Cross-format: Applied to song lyrics, movie plots, historical events
- Academic parody: Using real jargon from specific fields (medical, legal, engineering)
- Expanding brain combo: Visual escalation matched with verbal escalation
By 2018-2023, the format remained popular in niche communities—Discord servers, academic Twitter, subreddit culture—serving as inside joke and communication style simultaneously.
Sources:
- Know Your Meme: Increasingly Verbose Memes documentation
- r/IncreasinglyVerbose subreddit archives
- r/coaxedintoasnafu origin discussions