The 'Exploding Knees' meme is a versatile internet trope often used to satirize the fragility of the human body or the absurdity of video game physics. While it has roots in RPG mechanics where specific body parts can be crippled—most notably in titles like Fallout—it evolved into a broader commentary on aging and the sudden onset of physical ailments. The phrase typically accompanies images or GIFs of characters collapsing or visual effects showing joints detonating. It gained significant traction on platforms like Reddit and TikTok, where users pair the text with relatable scenarios like standing up too fast or attempting basic exercise after a long hiatus, turning a painful reality into a shared digital joke.