The Crabs Smoking Cigarettes meme showcases a series of bizarre images featuring crabs with cigarettes in their claws or mouths, often used to signify existential fatigue or a nonchalant attitude toward chaos. Emerging as a niche trend on Tumblr and Pinterest, the image of a 'stressed' crab became a symbol for anyone feeling overwhelmed by life yet somehow maintaining a cool, if crusty, exterior. The meme thrives on its absurdity, frequently appearing in shitposting communities where the juxtaposition of sea life and human habits creates a darkly comedic effect that resonates with modern internet subcultures.