The 'Tips Fedora' meme, often accompanied by the phrase 'M'lady,' features a photograph of actor Jerry Messing tipping his hat. It became a viral sensation in the early 2010s, primarily used to satirize 'neckbeard' culture and the perceived awkwardness of over-the-top online chivalry. The image gained traction on platforms like Reddit and 4chan, where it evolved into a shorthand for mocking condescending intellectualism or the 'Nice Guy' trope. Today, tipping one's fedora remains a staple reaction image for expressing mock respect or acknowledging a particularly cringe-worthy moment on the internet.