The Debby Ryan Smirk meme originates from a scene in the 2012 Disney Channel original movie 'Radio Rebel,' where the protagonist, Adams, performs a specific shy hair tuck followed by a bashful smirk. The clip resurfaced on TikTok in 2020, where users began parodizing the actress's exaggerated expressions and 'main character' energy. It is widely used to mock moments of performative modesty or situations where someone is trying too hard to look cute but ends up looking hilariously awkward. Today, the template serves as a staple for self-deprecating humor or calling out cringeworthy behavior in social settings.