The 'Defeated Male Leaves' meme originated from a scientific illustration or infographic describing primate social hierarchies and evolutionary psychology, specifically depicting a male individual exiting after a social or reproductive loss. The image features a hunched, despondent figure walking away with a caption that dryly describes the behavior. It gained viral popularity on social media platforms like Twitter and Reddit as a self-deprecating reaction to losing an argument, being rejected, or experiencing an embarrassing public 'ratio.' The meme is widely used to humorously acknowledge one's own defeat and the subsequent need to leave the situation with whatever dignity remains.