The phrase 'And Then The Whole Bus Clapped' is a sarcastic expression used to express skepticism toward stories that seem fabricated or overly self-congratulatory. It originated on social media platforms like Tumblr and Reddit, where users would often post elaborate anecdotes about standing up to authority or delivering a witty comeback, concluding with an unrealistic standing ovation from bystanders. By the mid-2010s, it became a standard retort to any story that felt 'too good to be true.' Today, the meme serves as the ultimate calling card for the 'r/thatHappened' community, used to mock the performative nature of internet storytelling and the desperate need for validation from strangers online.