The Pennywise the Clown meme, specifically the scene where he peers out from a storm drain, stems from the 2017 cinematic adaptation of Stephen King’s 'IT.' In the scene, the malevolent entity lures young Georgie Denbrough with a lost paper boat. Online, this image evolved into a 'bait-and-switch' format where Pennywise promises something irresistible—ranging from free money to niche interests—to lure the viewer or a specific character into the sewer. It has become a staple for highlighting the things people find suspiciously tempting despite the obvious dangers, symbolizing the relatable pull of bad decisions or too-good-to-be-true offers.