The Lelf meme features a distorted, unsettling version of Buddy the Elf from the 2003 film 'Elf'. By editing Will Ferrell's face into a 'cursed' or hyper-realistic creepy aesthetic, creators subvert the cheerful holiday movie into something surreal and ominous. It first gained traction on platforms like Tumblr and Reddit within shitposting communities that enjoy 'void' humor and eerie edits. Lelf is typically used to represent a state of manic intensity, the feeling of a sugar crash, or to mock the forced positivity of the holiday season, making it a favorite for those who prefer their Christmas cheer with a side of cosmic horror.