The 'Pas mal, non? C'est français' (Not bad, right? It's French) meme originates from the 1993 French cult film 'Le Grand Détournement' (The American Class), a parody mashup that redubbed classic Hollywood footage with comedic dialogue. The scene features character George Abitbol, played by John Wayne via stock footage, delivering the line with a perfectly smug expression. Initially a niche reference among French cinephiles, it evolved into a massive internet trope used to ironically celebrate French stereotypes, such as constant strikes and bureaucracy, or to jokingly boast about French luxury and achievements. It captures a specific brand of deadpan humor and national self-derision.