The 'Hiding From a Serial Killer' meme template originates from a classic horror trope where a protagonist hides in a cramped space while a murderer stalks the room. The humor in this meme format comes from the 'bait and switch' logic: the killer says something controversial or plays a specific song, and the victim—incapable of remaining silent or hiding their true opinion—accidentally reveals their location. It became a viral sensation for highlighting relatable moments where someone's passion for a topic, like a favorite video game or a niche political take, outweighs their instinct for self-preservation. It is widely used across social media to joke about fandom loyalty and stubborn personalities.