The phrase 'Hide Your Power Level' originated in the anime community, specifically referencing the Dragon Ball series where characters could conceal their true strength from scouters. It evolved on imageboards like 4chan during the late 2000s, becoming a metaphor for individuals hiding their extreme or niche interests—such as anime, gaming, or unconventional beliefs—from the general public to avoid social awkwardness. The meme typically depicts a person attempting to act like a 'normie' while secretly harboring intense passions. It serves as a humorous commentary on the divide between internet subcultures and mainstream society, used widely to describe the struggle of maintaining a socially acceptable facade while being a part of a niche community.