The 'Nerf' meme primarily stems from the iconic advertising slogan 'It's Nerf or Nothin',' first introduced in the 1990s by the toy brand. While originally meant to convey brand superiority, the phrase evolved into an internet catchphrase used to emphasize an 'all or nothing' mentality. Additionally, the term 'nerf' became a staple in gaming culture to describe the act of reducing a character or weapon's power to make it less effective—essentially turning a real weapon into a foam toy. The meme is widely used in both the context of nostalgic toy references and competitive gaming frustrations, making it a versatile template for social media humor and cultural commentary.