The Slow Clap meme, often associated with Shia LaBeouf's dramatic applause or the classic cinematic 'Golf Clap,' serves as the ultimate digital expression of irony and reluctant recognition. While the cinematic trope dates back to films like Citizen Kane, the modern meme iteration took off in the early 2010s as a reaction to people stating the obvious or performing underwhelming feats. It perfectly captures the transition from silence to a rhythmic, deliberate clap, signaling that while someone succeeded, they did so in a way that deserves more mockery than praise. It remains a staple for internet users to signal burns, 'captain obvious' moments, or genuinely surprising plot twists.