The term 'Sheeple'—a portmanteau of 'sheep' and 'people'—has long been used to describe those who blindly follow authority or mainstream trends without critical thought. While the term dates back to the mid-20th century, it became a staple of internet culture through 2000s conspiracy forums and eventually exploded into image macro formats. The meme typically depicts rows of identical sheep or mindless crowds being led by a shepherd or media influence. Today, it is used satirically to mock both genuine conformity and the irony of conspiracy theorists who claim to be 'awake' while following their own fringe herds.