The phrase “That’s an awful lot of cough syrup” has become a popular catchphrase across internet culture, especially in meme communities. On the surface, it sounds like an innocent observation about medicine, but its cultural meaning goes much deeper.
Origins of the Phrase
The phrase traces back to a viral internet clip featuring a humorous or exaggerated remark about cough syrup. While cough syrup itself is a common over-the-counter medicine, the phrase took on new life when it was used in connection with references to that’s an awful lot of cough syrup— a recreational mixture of prescription-strength cough syrup with soda or candy. The casual delivery of the line, “That’s an awful lot of cough syrup,” made it instantly memorable.
Meme Culture and Spread
Internet users quickly adopted the phrase as a meme. It is often used as a humorous reaction when someone is seen with a large quantity of something—whether it’s food, drinks, or any object in excess. By exaggerating the seriousness of an everyday situation, the phrase adds a layer of comedy and relatability.
For example:
- A picture of someone pouring too much syrup on pancakes might be captioned with the phrase.
- Gaming communities use it when players collect excessive in-game items.
- It has also been remixed into music clips and sound effects for comedic skits on TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram.
Double Meanings
The popularity of the phrase also comes from its double awful lotta cough syrup. On one hand, it is a literal statement about having a large amount of cough syrup. On the other, it hints at the subculture around cough syrup misuse in hip-hop and rap communities, where references to “sizzurp” or “lean” are common. However, when used online, most people employ it purely for comedic effect rather than serious commentary on drug culture.
Why It Stuck
Memes thrive on catchiness, relatability, and humor. The phrase “That’s an awful lot of cough syrup” checks all three boxes. It is short, easy to repeat, and adaptable to countless scenarios. Much like phrases such as “It’s over 9000!” or “This is fine,” it became part of the internet’s shared vocabulary.
Conclusion
While it may have started as a throwaway line, “That’s an awful lot of cough syrup” has cemented itself as a funny, versatile meme. Whether used literally or as a playful exaggeration, it showcases how simple phrases can evolve into viral cultural references.