The 'How to Break Your Thumb Ligament' meme utilizes a medical illustration of the Finkelstein's test, which is a diagnostic procedure for De Quervain's tenosynovitis. The meme went viral as a 'forbidden life hack' or troll prank, primarily on TikTok and Twitter, where users would trick others into performing the painful movement under the guise of a 'cool trick.' Its popularity stems from the bait-and-switch nature of the instructions, often leading to immediate regret for those who actually try it. In meme culture, it serves as a symbol of dangerous curiosity or a way to mock people who are easily misled by simple online diagrams.