In the 1987 sci-fi parody 'Spaceballs,' directed by Mel Brooks, the phrase 'They've gone to plaid' is delivered during a scene where characters are bewildered by an absurdly exaggerated form of speed achieved by the evil spaceship, Spaceball One. This comedic moment playfully critiques the science fiction genre's tendency to escalate situations to hilarious extremes. The unexpected twist of 'plaid' as a state of travel adds a layer of absurdity, making it iconic within the realm of movie humor. In meme culture, 'They've gone to plaid' has been used to humorously convey situations where things escalate quickly or when someone is overwhelmed by a rapid change, often employed in a context where viewers find themselves comically unprepared for what's happening. The absurdity of the phrase lends itself well to various scenarios, making it versatile for memes depicting reactions to fast or overwhelming circumstances, blending nostalgia for the classic film with modern internet humor.