The Coughing Varys meme features Lord Varys, the Master of Whisperers from HBO's Game of Thrones, performing a blatantly forced and theatrical cough. This specific reaction is often used to represent moments of social awkwardness, the concealment of a secret, or a humorous attempt to change the subject when a difficult question is asked. Usually taken from his interactions with Tyrion Lannister, the image has become a staple for internet users who want to express a 'nothing to see here' attitude or to mock someone's transparent attempt at being discrete. It effectively captures the essence of feigned ignorance in a way only a Westeros spymaster could.