The Gangster Baby meme features a young child looking surprisingly intimidating or confident, often dressed in a hoodie or making a gesture associated with a 'thug life' persona. It first gained popularity in the early 2010s as internet users added captions depicting the toddler as a street-smart underworld boss navigating the complexities of playground politics. The meme thrives on the hilarious contrast between the inherent innocence of a baby and the gritty, street-wise dialogue assigned to it. It remains a staple template for expressing confidence, authority, or a rebellious attitude in a cute yet edgy way.