The Heartbroken Cowboy meme captures the aesthetic of the 'lonesome drifter' to express deep sadness, disappointment, or existential dread. Typically featuring a cowboy looking off into the distance or weeping under a wide-brimmed hat, it subverts the traditionally tough masculine image of the American West. It gained traction across social media platforms like X and TikTok, often paired with the phrase 'Yee-naw' to signify a shift from joy to sorrow. Users leverage this template to joke about minor inconveniences or genuine emotional setbacks, turning a rugged cultural icon into a relatable symbol of modern heartbreak.