The Wet Koala meme features a photograph of a koala that has been thoroughly soaked, transforming the typically cuddly Australian marsupial into something looking far more menacing and skeletal. The image first gained traction online in the early 2010s, often shocking viewers who were used to the animal's soft, fluffy appearance. While many initial viewers believed the image was photoshopped or a 'drop bear,' it is actually a real photo showing how water collapses a koala's thick fur. In meme culture, it is most frequently used to represent extreme grumpiness, the harsh reality of waking up early, or the dramatic contrast between someone's public persona and their true, unfiltered self.