The Harmless Scout Leader meme, featuring a smiling man in a scout uniform, emerged in the early 2010s as a popular 'bait-and-switch' format. The humor typically begins with a top caption that sounds like a dark or creepy situation, only to be subverted by a bottom caption that reveals a perfectly innocent, scout-related punchline. This subversion of expectations turned the image into a symbol for wholesome content and creative wordplay. It remains a staple for internet users who enjoy ironic humor that ends on a positive and helpful note.