The “What I Do” meme has taken over social media once again, and if you’ve been anywhere near TikTok or Tenor lately, you know just how addictive these clips can be. It’s the kind of meme that’s equal parts relatable and ridiculous, usually featuring a confident Asian woman reacting to everyday situations in the most dramatic, over-the-top way. Whether it’s a Walmart run, doing your nails, or just sipping coffee in full glam, the “What I Do” meme finds a way to turn the mundane into must-watch content.

It started with nail artist Jade Nguyen, better known as PolishedByJade, and has since evolved into a format that anyone can remix. From animated GIFs to TikTok reenactments, the meme has found a home across platforms and keeps getting more creative with each iteration. If you’ve ever wondered why this meme keeps popping up—or if you just want to make your own—this guide will walk you through everything you need to know.

And if you’ve ever caught yourself laughing out loud at a video of someone pretending to be the most dramatic version of themselves while doing the most basic things, well—you’re not alone. Let’s dive in and explore where this meme came from, why it works, and how you can join in on the fun.

• Wentworth Miller Sevgilisi

Table of Contents

• What Is the “What I Do” Meme?
• The Origin of the Meme
• Why the Meme Works
• How to Make Your Own “What I Do” Meme
• Where to Find the Best GIFs
• FAQ

What Is the “What I Do” Meme?

The “What I Do” meme is a format that usually shows a stylish Asian woman—often Jade Nguyen or someone imitating her—performing a simple task in a very dramatic, glamorous way. It’s the kind of meme that’s meant to be funny and over-the-top, poking fun at the way some people present themselves online.

It’s common to see the person in the meme striking a pose or giving a side-eye as they do something totally normal, like walking into a store or applying nail polish. The humor comes from the contrast between the mundane action and the exaggerated expression and attitude of the person doing it.

This meme isn’t just about watching others, though. It’s interactive. People remix it, add their own twist, and post their own versions with different scenarios or characters. That’s part of what makes it so popular—it’s easy to copy, fun to play with, and endlessly adaptable.

• Sunday Rose Kidman Urban

The Origin of the Meme

The “What I Do” meme started with Jade Nguyen, a nail and makeup artist who goes by the name PolishedByJade. She posted a short video that showed her walking confidently while holding a coffee cup, dressed to the nines, and looking like a total boss.

That video quickly caught fire. People started recreating it, using the same pose or adding their own lines. Soon, it wasn’t just about nails or fashion—it was about doing anything in life like it was a big deal. The meme became a template for all kinds of scenarios, from grocery shopping to fixing your hair in the mirror.

Jade’s original video wasn’t meant to be a meme. She was just showing her daily routine in a stylish way. But that’s what made it perfect for remixing. It was short, it was visual, and it had that one key ingredient: personality.

Why the Meme Works

So why does the “What I Do” meme keep coming back? Well, for starters, it’s easy to understand. You don’t need to read a bunch of text or know some obscure reference to get the joke. You just see someone acting like a total movie star while doing something super normal, and it’s funny.

It’s also relatable. A lot of us like to present our lives in a certain way online. Maybe not as dramatically as Jade does in the meme, but we all have that one friend who posts a selfie from the dentist like it’s a runway show. That’s what makes the meme resonate—it’s a little bit of truth wrapped in a ton of personality.

And let’s not forget the visuals. The original video had a strong visual style: clean makeup, stylish outfit, confident walk. It’s aesthetically pleasing, which is a big part of why it spread so fast on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. People want to watch it, share it, and make their own version of it.

What Makes the Meme Go Viral Again and Again?

Every few months, the meme pops back up. Sometimes it’s the original Jade video. Other times, it’s someone remixing it with a new twist—like using it in a totally different context, or pairing it with a trending audio track.

One reason it keeps coming back is that it’s so adaptable. You can use it for anything. Going to work? “What I do.” Making dinner? “What I do.” Brushing your teeth? “What I do.” It’s a format that can fit any situation, which makes it perfect for reuse.

Another reason is that it’s easy to remix. All you need is a simple video setup and a little bit of flair. That’s why so many people try their hand at it. It’s not just about copying someone else—it’s about making it your own.

How to Make Your Own “What I Do” Meme

Ready to try your hand at making a “What I Do” meme? Here’s how to do it step by step:

1. Pick a simple action. It could be something like walking into a room, sipping a drink, or opening your laptop. The more ordinary, the better.
2. Get dressed up. You don’t have to wear a full glam look, but it helps to add a bit of flair—maybe some bold makeup or a cool outfit.
3. Strike a pose. The key to the meme is confidence. Even if you’re doing something silly, act like it’s the most important thing in the world.
4. Record your clip. Keep it short, around 10–15 seconds, and make sure the lighting is good. TikTok and Instagram favor bright, clear videos.
5. Add a caption or audio. You can use the original audio or choose a trending sound that fits the vibe you’re going for.

If you’re not into filming your own version, you can still play with the meme format using tools like Canva or online meme generators. Just upload a photo of yourself or use a stock image and add the classic pose and caption.

Want to Take It Further?

• Try using different characters or settings.
• Add subtitles or funny lines to make it more engaging.
• Use filters or effects to give it that polished look.

Remember, the best memes are the ones that feel personal. So don’t be afraid to add your own twist—whether it’s a silly voice, a funny outfit, or a completely random scenario.

Where to Find the Best GIFs

If you want to use the “What I Do” meme in your chats or social posts, there are plenty of places to find animated GIFs that fit the vibe. The most popular platform for this is Tenor, which has a huge collection of GIFs based on the meme.

Here’s how to find the best ones:

1. Go to Tenor and search “What I Do” in the search bar.
2. Look for GIFs that match the original vibe—dramatic, stylish, and a little over the top.
3. Click on the GIF you like, and copy the link to share it anywhere.

Some of the most popular GIFs feature Jade herself, but there are also plenty of remixes with other characters, including men and even animals doing the same pose. These can be great for adding humor to your conversations or spicing up a post.

You can also find “What I Do” GIFs on Giphy and in the TikTok app. Just type the phrase into the search bar, and you’ll get a list of trending clips you can use or remix.

FAQ

Who started the “What I Do” meme?

The meme started with Jade Nguyen, also known as PolishedByJade, a nail and makeup artist who posted a short, confident-looking video of herself doing her daily routine. The video caught on, and people began remaking it in different ways.

Can I make my own version of the meme?

Absolutely! The meme is super easy to remix. All you need is a camera, a little confidence, and a basic action to turn into a dramatic moment. You can even use online tools to create still-image memes if you prefer not to film a video.

Where can I find “What I Do” GIFs?

You can find them on platforms like Tenor, Giphy, and TikTok. Just search “What I Do” and browse through the options. Some of the most popular GIFs include Jade herself, but there are also many remixes and variations to choose from.