The Matthew McConaughey Smoking meme originates from the HBO crime drama series True Detective, specifically featuring the character Rustin 'Rust' Cohle. The image captures Rust in a state of visible distress and exhaustion, intensely smoking a cigarette during a high-stakes interrogation scene. It became a viral sensation as the universal symbol for high-stress situations, burnout, and the feeling of being completely 'over it.' Users typically use this template to depict their reaction to overwhelming news, difficult social interactions, or the general chaos of adult life. Its popularity stems from McConaughey's visceral performance, perfectly encapsulating a mood of weary nihilism that resonates with anyone facing a long day.