The term 'Nothing Burger' dates back to the mid-20th century, notably used by gossip columnist Louella Parsons, but it transitioned into a modern political and internet staple in the late 2010s. It describes a situation or news story that is heavily promoted as a major revelation but ultimately lacks any substance or consequence. In meme culture, it is often represented by a literal empty hamburger bun or a person looking disappointed at a void. The template is widely used on social media to deflate sensationalist headlines, criticize underwhelming product launches, or mock political 'bombshells' that fail to explode, serving as the internet’s favorite way to highlight a lack of meaningful content.