The Sad Emoji meme, particularly the hyper-realistic or 'cursed' variations with exaggerated watery eyes, has become a staple of internet culture for expressing ironic despair. While traditional sad emojis have been around since the dawn of digital messaging, these more detailed and glossy versions gained traction on platforms like Twitter and Discord in the late 2010s. They are typically used in 'When you' scenarios to highlight minor inconveniences as life-altering tragedies or to react to news that is surprisingly disappointing. The meme thrives on its ability to convey a level of sadness that is so over-the-top it becomes humorous, making it a favorite for shitposting and emotional satire.