The Critic meme primarily draws from two iconic sources: the cult classic 1990s animated series starring Jay Sherman and the formidable food critic Anton Ego from Pixar's Ratatouille. While Sherman is legendary for his signature catchphrase 'It stinks!', the Ego template went viral for the flashback scene where a single bite of food transports him back to his childhood. This meme is frequently used to depict harsh judgment, sudden nostalgia, or the moment an elitist finally finds something worthy of praise. It remains a staple for internet users looking to express their sophisticated—or overly cynical—opinions on modern pop culture.