The 'Original Character Do Not Steal' meme (often purposefully misspelled as 'Donut Steel') is a classic internet trope that satirizes the perceived lack of creativity in online art communities, especially within the Sonic the Hedgehog fandom. It typically features a character that is a blatant recolor or minor modification of an existing popular character, accompanied by a fiercely protective caption. Originating in the mid-2000s on platforms like DeviantArt and 4chan, the phrase mocks the irony of claiming absolute originality over a derivative work. Today, the meme is used to poke fun at edgy personas, uninspired fan fiction, or any situation where someone claims high value for something clearly borrowed from elsewhere.