The 'Great Pretender' meme draws inspiration from the classic song originally performed by The Platters and later famously covered by Freddie Mercury. In internet culture, the phrase is used to describe the relatable experience of putting on a brave face or faking expertise while being internally overwhelmed. It often features characters wearing masks or smiling through pain, capturing the essence of the 'fake it till you make it' philosophy. Whether used for social anxiety, workplace incompetence, or hiding sadness, the meme resonates because it highlights the universal human tendency to perform for others despite how we truly feel.