The 'Putin Steak' meme centers on a photograph of a raw cut of beef that bears a startling resemblance to the side profile of Russian President Vladimir Putin. The image first gained widespread internet fame around 2019 after a shopper in a British supermarket noticed the uncanny likeness and posted it online. It quickly evolved into a viral sensation, categorized under 'pareidolia' memes where faces are seen in everyday objects. Users typically employ the template for absurd wordplay, puns like 'Meatin Putin,' or to highlight the bizarre nature of the discovery. It remains a popular choice for 'cursed image' enthusiasts and those looking to inject surrealist humor into political commentary.