The 'I Hope You Step on a LEGO' meme represents one of the internet's most universally understood 'mild curses,' describing a pain so specific and excruciating that it is reserved for one's worst enemies. While the phrase has existed as a playground insult for decades, it gained massive traction online during the early 2010s across platforms like Reddit and Tumblr. It evolved into various visual formats, including images of the sharp plastic bricks themselves or reaction shots of people in intense agony. The meme thrives because of its relatability—almost everyone has experienced the sharp, soul-crushing sensation of a plastic corner meeting a bare foot—making it the perfect hyperbole for harmless spite and everyday frustrations.