Forky first appeared in Disney-Pixar's Toy Story 4 as a craft project made from a spork, pipe cleaners, and googly eyes. His immediate, frantic rejection of being a toy—preferring instead to throw himself into the nearest trash can—became an instant internet sensation. The meme typically represents self-deprecating humor, feelings of inadequacy, or the relatable urge to retreat from overwhelming responsibilities. It is widely used to capture moments of social awkwardness or to celebrate one's own 'trashy' preferences in a lighthearted, comedic way.