In 2012, from the depths of 4chan’s international board, we were introduced to the stereotypical and satirical catchphrase “Why Do Slavs Squat”? The phrase was normally paired with photos of young Eastern European men wearing Adidas jumpsuits, drinking vodka, smoking cigarettes and squatting on the ground.
The squat in particular set the internet ablaze.
The origins of Slavic squatting are unclear, but theories abound. Some believe it’s “because many Slavic people grew up in impoverished post-socialist countries,” where they had no other option than to squat due to a lack of park benches and miles upon miles of dirty grounds. Others think it was inherited from Turkish ancestors who apparently also loved to squat. Though, this guy makes the best argument: “The question is not ‘why do Slavs squat. The question is ‘Why the rest of the world doesn’t… It stretches and massages your glutes, hamstrings and your calves. Helps maintain hip mobility.”
Most recently, the meme has taken a new turn, in the subreddit r/slavs_squatting, where the rules are simple:
- Only Slavs
- Only squats
Whether you find it extremely offensive or you’re a “moth to the flame,” when it comes to Eastern European men in Adidas squatting, know this: The meme is only growing stronger, my comrades. And so, get caught up with this slideshow of our favorite squatting Slavs.
The Squatting Giant
The Hero We Don’t Deserve
Double the Slav, Double the Adidas
Map Squat
How to Squat with Your Gold-Winning Turd
Anti-Gravity Squatting
Google Maps Squatting
Sam Dworkin
Senior Designer- Digital Artist, Reno NV
