The Skyrim Eye Width meme originates from the character customization menu in Bethesda's 2011 RPG, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. It typically features two screenshots of the 'Eye Width' slider: one at a neutral setting and another maxed out to the right, causing the character's eyes to bulge hilariously. The meme serves as a visual metaphor for shock, intense focus, or a heightened state of emotion in response to escalating information. It gained massive popularity in gaming communities as a relatable way to depict 'wide-eyed' reactions, often applied to plot twists, internet drama, or surprising real-world events.