The 'Tom Shoots Himself' meme originates from the classic 1944 Tom and Jerry cartoon 'Mouse Trouble,' where Tom attempts to shoot Jerry through a mouse hole, only for the shotgun barrel to curve around and point directly back at his own head. This iconic frame has become the internet's go-to visual for representing self-sabotage, backfiring plans, or any situation where an individual's attempt to solve a problem only makes things worse for themselves. It is frequently used in relatable contexts like poor financial decisions, failed social interactions, or technical mishaps where the user is the architect of their own downfall.