There are a lot of SpongeBob SquarePants memes out there, but one meme in particular of SpongeBob driving crazy has proven significantly popular over the past few years.

The meme takes the style of Ed Roth's artwork and combines it with the cartoon sponge to make an insane reaction image that many have compared to the packaging art on sour candies.

But where does the "SpongeBob Driving Crazy" meme come from, and what exactly is the artwork based on? Here's what you need to know.

What Is The 'SpongeBob Driving Crazy' Meme?

The "SpongeBob Driving Crazy" meme originates from the cover of SpongeBob Comics issue two, titled, "Caution: Student Boater."

On the cover, SpongeBob is shown drawn in the style of artist Ed Roth, mostly known for his Rat Fink hot rod art. This art features a large rat character driving a hot rod with an insane look on his face, tongue out and eyes popping from his head.

The Rat Fink art has proven very influential and inspired many references since it was first drawn in the 1960s, with the SpongeBob art being just one popular example.

How Is 'SpongeBob Driving Crazy' Used In Memes?

The "SpongeBob Driving Crazy" image first emerged as a meme in late March 2023 when YouTuber TheDoooTooo posted a video playing the game Picture Cards Online, where players are given a phrase and must attach an image to it.

In the video, one player slaps a low-res version of the meme on the phrase "200 pounds horse meat," resulting in a bizarre but hilarious meme.

From there, the full driving image continued to spread online, with one meme in particular comparing the image to the graphics on sour candy packaging going especially viral in 2024.

Now the meme has been popularized as a reaction image on sites like TikTok, where it's used to denote feelings of insanity.

Similarly, an image of Beast Boy from Teen Titans GO! driving a hot rod, drawn in the same Ed Roth-inspired art style, has also become notably popular as an alternative to the SpongeBob meme.

Just like the SpongeBob meme, this image shows Beast Boy with wild eyes, his tongue flapping from his mouth and his hand firmly manipulating the gear shift on a hot rod.

@baddtsx #greenscreen #manual #cars #carenthusiast #viral ♬ Yacht Club – MusicBox

What Are Some More 'SpongeBob Driving Crazy' Memes?

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For the full history of the SpongeBob Driving Crazy meme, be sure to check out Know Your Meme's encyclopedia entry for more information.