The 'You Have $5' meme format first appeared as a social media survey asking users to choose traits for a 'perfect partner' while limited to a small budget. Each desirable quality is assigned a dollar value from $1 to $5, forcing users to prioritize. The format quickly evolved into a parody template where internet users replaced standard traits with absurd, hyper-specific, or ironic options—such as video game archetypes, fictional characters, or relatable niche hobbies. It serves as a humorous commentary on personal preferences and the impossibility of finding a 'perfect' anything within a restricted budget.