The term 'Cawthorned' emerged in early 2022 following a series of controversial leaks and scandals surrounding former U.S. Representative Madison Cawthorn. The meme gained significant traction after a string of compromising videos and photos surfaced, leading to his primary election defeat. In internet slang, being 'Cawthorned' describes the experience of having one's public image or career abruptly derailed by the release of embarrassing information. The template is widely used to mock political figures or anyone whose overconfidence leads to a swift and public downfall, symbolizing the moment when opposition research finally catches up.