The term 'Sonic Inflation' refers to a specific subgenre of fan art within the Sonic the Hedgehog community that gained notoriety across the internet. While it originated within niche art circles, it transitioned into mainstream meme culture primarily as a form of 'bait-and-switch' or shock humor. Users often trick unsuspecting others into searching for the term to witness the unexpected and often bizarre nature of the content. In meme format, it is frequently used to represent the darker or more unusual corners of the internet, serving as a cautionary tale or a meta-commentary on the chaotic nature of fanbases and search engine results.