The Minions, these users postulate, are funny because they are not funny, but they’re so unfunny that the same memes have become funny again. Illumination Entertainment/Universal PicturesĪnd then there are the ironic Minion memes, those shared by irreverent young people and jaded adults. Minions Bob, Kevin and Stuart make for strong memes. With names like Kevin and Bob, a penchant for drag and a wholly unique delivery of the word “ banana,” the Minions endeared themselves to audience members across generations – including Facebook users of a certain age, some of whom started sharing memes of Minions that convey the thankless exhaustion of parenthood. Immediately, viewers were drawn to the oblong creatures in overalls who served villain-turned-softie Gru. Minions first hit the scene when the first “Despicable Me” premiered in 2010. To understand the Gentleminions, one must first understand the Minions themselves. Here’s how the odd trend came to be – and how teenage boys on TikTok became the Minions’ biggest fans. If you spot a Gentleminion at a viewing of “Minions,” don’t panic – they’re typically harmless, if irksomely obsessed with the little yellow menaces. They’re showing up at theaters everywhere from the US to Australia and countries in between, causing chaos to the point that some theaters have banned them from buying tickets to “Minions” if they come dressed in a suit. The Gentleminions are not always welcome, though. 'Minions: The Rise of Gru' breaks box office records (from left) Minions Kevin and Otto, Gru (Steve Carell) and Minions Stuart and Bob in Illumination's Minions: The Rise of Gru, directed by Kyle Balda.

Clipsy minions