The 'It's Just a Prank' meme, often accompanied by the phrase 'It's just a prank, bro!', originated from the mid-2010s YouTube era characterized by 'social experiments' and aggressive street pranks. It gained massive notoriety through YouTubers like Filthy Frank, who satirized the absurdity of people committing questionable acts and expecting immediate forgiveness by uttering this catchphrase. Today, the meme is used to mock individuals who backtrack on their controversial statements or actions by claiming they were merely joking. It serves as a sharp critique of internet culture's lack of accountability and the often-cringeworthy nature of viral prank videos.