The 'White Boy Summer' meme originated from a viral Instagram video posted by Chet Hanks in March 2021, where he enthusiastically declared the upcoming season to be a 'White Boy Summer.' Hanks specified that this wasn't about a specific race but rather a 'vibe' involving boat shoes, salmon-colored shorts, and a general carefree attitude, though he emphasized inclusivity. The internet quickly took the phrase and ran with it, turning it into a massive cultural touchpoint used both sincerely to celebrate summer activities and ironically to poke fun at frat-culture aesthetics. It remains a popular template for high-energy, chaotic summer content and various parodies of celebrity culture.