The Cowering Detective Pikachu meme originated from a scene in the 2019 live-action film Pokémon Detective Pikachu, featuring a CGI Pikachu looking visibly distressed and frightened. The image quickly went viral on social media platforms like Twitter and Reddit as a way to visualize feelings of overwhelming anxiety, intimidation, or a general sense of being in danger. It is frequently paired with text representing life's daily struggles, looming deadlines, or terrifying realizations. Its popularity stems from the stark contrast between Pikachu's usually cheerful demeanor and the raw, relatable terror depicted in this specific frame.