Origin
The “But That’s None of My Business” Kermit meme originated from a 2014 Lipton Tea commercial featuring Kermit the Frog sipping tea. Instagram comedian @KingBach (later attributed to various sources) paired the image with shade-throwing commentary.
The format: [Judgmental observation] + “But that’s none of my business” + Kermit sipping tea.
Peak Shade Era (2014-2016)
The meme became the internet’s premier vehicle for throwing shade, calling out hypocrisy, and passive-aggressive commentary. Common applications:
- Relationship drama (“You cheat on every girlfriend, but that’s none of my business”)
- Political hypocrisy
- Celebrity scandals
- Friend group drama
- Social media performativity
Peak usage: 2014-2016, particularly on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
Cultural Impact
“Sipping tea” entered vernacular as shorthand for observing drama without involvement. The phrase transcended the meme itself, appearing in tweets, texts, and conversations.
The format influenced later passive-aggressive meme structures and reaction images.
Evil Kermit Evolution
In 2016, “Evil Kermit” (Kermit vs. Constantine) emerged as a spiritual successor, representing internal temptation rather than external judgment.
Decline
By 2017, the format’s overuse led to retirement. However, Kermit remains a meme staple through various formats (Evil Kermit, Sad Kermit).
Sources
- Know Your Meme: Kermit Sipping Tea
- Complex: Shade Meme History
- Twitter Moments: Kermit Memes