The Sad Cowboy Emoji, often associated with the phrase 'They always say yee haw, but never ask haw yee,' emerged as a subversion of the energetic and happy Cowboy Hat Face emoji. It gained traction on platforms like Twitter and Tumblr around 2017, symbolizing a state of existential dread hidden behind a tough or cheerful exterior. The meme resonates with users who feel the need to keep up appearances while struggling internally, blending Western aesthetics with modern internet melancholia. It has since evolved into various artistic iterations, including high-definition renders and distorted versions, but the core theme remains the 'Yee-naw' sentiment of regional sadness.