The Nian Ni meme features a wide-eyed, often teary-eyed cat or pet that captures the essence of longing, clinginess, or affection. The term 'Nian Ni' is derived from Chinese internet culture, often used as a phonetic play on 'missing you' or 'thinking of you.' It gained massive popularity on platforms like Douyin and TikTok, where creators pair the image with sentimental or humorous music to depict a pet or person waiting desperately for their favorite human. The meme is a staple in digital communication for expressing separation anxiety in a cute, relatable way, making it a go-to template for couples and pet lovers alike.