Erm, What the Sigma? is a viral catchphrase that emerged as a cornerstone of Gen Alpha brainrot humor in early 2024. The phrase combines the stereotypical nerdy interjection 'Erm' with 'Sigma,' a term originally used to describe a self-reliant alpha male but now used ironically by younger internet users. The trend peaked with a voice-over parody of Squidward Tentacles from SpongeBob SquarePants, where a realistic version of the character utters the line in a confused tone. It is typically used as a reaction to something bizarre, cringe-inducing, or nonsensical, mocking the absurdity of modern internet slang while simultaneously participating in it.