Pharrell Williams' 'Happy' became a global phenomenon in late 2013 after being featured in 'Despicable Me 2' and receiving a record-breaking 24-hour music video. While initially celebrated for its infectious positivity, the meme culture surrounding it evolved into two distinct categories: genuine expressions of joy and ironic commentary on forced optimism. The visual of Pharrell dancing in his signature oversized Vivienne Westwood hat became particularly iconic, often used to represent excessive excitement or to mock situations where someone is trying too hard to stay upbeat. Its longevity as a meme is fueled by the song's ubiquity and the recognizable aesthetic of the Pharrell 'mountain hat' era.