The Brief: This image macro meme format uses password strength ratings as a metaphor for things that are weak vs. strong.

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Weak vs. strong password memes reference the relatable experience of typing in a new password, only to have a website rate it as “weak.” While some platforms allow users to set weak passwords, others require that they meet certain security standards to be considered strong enough to use. This meme format, which is popular on Reddit, features an image of a password form, with one password marked as “weak” and the other as “strong.”

This password format is often used to juxtapose two things, adding comedic exaggerations and jokes. Variations of these memes have been circulating online for years and they had a spike in popularity on the Dank Memes subreddit in August 2020.

Love is strong from dankmemes

“His palms are sweaty, knees weak, arms are heavy/There’s vomit on his sweater already, mom’s spaghetti” – Eminem, “Lose Yourself”

Do I detect mom’s spaghetti? from dankmemes

The weak/strong password format is similar to other compare and contrast meme formats like Drake yes/no memes, Kombucha Girl reaction memes, and buff Doge vs. crying Cheems memes.

Password strength memes have lots of untapped potential — invest! from MemeEconomy

300 Meters of Dank Range from dankmemes

Made you look from dankmemes

I hope I can remember it! from comedynecromancy

A reference to how Redditors often react when a post of theirs blows up:

Had to be said from dankmemes

Some variations of weak vs. strong passwords include dark humor and hint at violence by pairing someone or something weak and vulnerable with a weapon.

The children were fast but the sword was faster from dankmemes

Cursed imagery from dankmemes