Is Mayonnaise an Instrument? is a legendary quote from the SpongeBob SquarePants episode Band Geeks, which aired in 2001. During a band rehearsal led by Squidward, Patrick Star raises his hand to ask this absurd question, leading to the iconic deadpan correction. This meme is widely used to represent moments of sheer stupidity, social awkwardness, or the derailment of a serious conversation with nonsense. Its enduring popularity stems from the relatable frustration of the teacher figure and the innocent ignorance of Patrick, often being remixed to include different objects or nonsensical situations in place of the condiment.